A Relic of the Raj: The 1937 George VI Ten Rupees

Capture the historic grandeur of British India with this authentic Ten Rupee note. Issued shortly after the accession of King George VI, this series is a masterclass in colonial currency design, blending classical Western portraiture with the lush, tropical landscapes of the Indian subcontinent.

Historic & Design Highlights:

• Obverse (Front): Features a sharp, left-facing portrait of King George VI wearing the Imperial Crown and robes of state. The central vignette depicts a serene river scene with palm trees and distant hills, showcasing the "jewel in the crown" of the British Empire.

• Reverse (Back): Showcases two magnificent Elephants with mahouts (riders), flanking the Reserve Bank of India's seal. The denomination is printed in eight different Indian languages (Urdu, Hindi, Bengali, Burmese, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Gujarati), reflecting the vast linguistic diversity of the era.

• The "Taylor" Signature: This note carries the signature of Sir James Braid Taylor, the second Governor of the RBI. Taylor was the first to have his signature appear on Indian currency notes, as the first Governor (Osborne Smith) did not sign any.

• Note on Condition: PMG has noted "Staple Holes at Issue". This is a common and accepted characteristic of Indian notes from this period, as they were often bundled and stapled at the bank for security—a practice known as "staple-hole" that is factored into the grading process for this region.

Item Details:

• Issuer: Reserve Bank of India (British Administration).

• Denomination: Ten Rupees.

• Date: ND (Issued 1937–1943).

• Pick Number: P-19a.

• Serial Number: C/85 286924.

• Grading: PMG 25 Very Fine.

Collector's Perspective: British India notes are among the most sought-after in the global market. A PMG 25 Very Fine grade is a solid "collector grade" for this issue; the paper retains its integrity, the colors remain visible despite some light toning, and the historical details are sharp. This is an essential "Type" note for any world currency portfolio.