Lot 363

Government of India uniface 5 Rupees note, dated 11 January 1909, represents the early development of centrally administered paper currency in British India, long before the establishment of the Reserve Bank of India. Issued during the reign of King Edward VII, its blank reverse, red security underprint, handmade watermarked paper, five serial numbers and panel of eight languages reflect the advanced anti-counterfeiting and multilingual features of the period. The Calcutta Circle identified its regional office of issue and redemption at a time when Calcutta was the capital and principal commercial centre of British India. The signature of R. W. Gillen—historically recorded as Robert Woodburn Gillan—, who later became Head Commissioner of Paper Currency, further enhances its historical and numismatic importance., Serial no.: AB55 91622, very fine, very rare.