Very few collectors know that the first 'RUPEES' notes were printed by Bank of Bengal. Although, Bank of Bengal issued currency notes since 1812 in the Bengal Presidency. The "Rupees" issue came much later after the Coinage Act of 1835. Earlier the currency notes were denominated in Company's Rupees (Notes issued prior to 1856). The new issue witnesses the famous "Sepoy Mutiny" of 1857. The very first rupee notes were issued in 10 Rupees (image shared), 25 Rupees, 50 Rupees, 100 Rupees, 500 Rupees and 1,000 Rupees. This new design was called, "Britannia Issues". It depicts on the top centre: Britannia (Personified lady) sitting on lion, on her left the personified lady depicting commerce and on her right personified lady depicting justice. In the background Sarnath on the right with elephant, Rhino on the left with natural background. These notes are without watermark and were printed and engraved by W.H. Lizars, Edinburgh (Scotland). It is also known that the design was taken from Banker's Competition of 1852 held at London? A very elusive part of my collection. It was dream to own this note when I first saw this in Victoria Memorial (Kolkata).
1857 Bank of Bengal, 10 Rupees
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