Some Rarities of British Indian Paper Money

Banknotes of Private and Presidency Banks

The paper money issued by these private and presidency banks are extremely rare and very hard to find. Seldom one can evidence its availability in great auctions (Todywalla Auction, Oswal Auctions). The price ranges from INR 50,000 to INR 700,000. The notes depicted here are highlighted below with indexes, n-X.

Banknotes of Bank of Hindostan

The banknotes issued by the Bank of Hindostan is finest rarity in the collector’s arena. It is very rare and very hard to find. The one and only complete collections can be seen on with, Kishore Jhunjhunwalla and Rezwan Razack, the famous faces in the Indian Numismatics. The notes, n.1, n.2, n.3 are very rare and prices could vary between INR 100,000 to INR 800,000 depending on the condition.

n.1

n.2

n.3

Bank of Bengal

There are total of nine types in the Bank of Bengal issues. These notes were printed by Perkins Press and on hand moulded papers. The banknotes were printed to be known from the period, 1804-1857 (It is an estimated information not a fact). These banknotes are also extremely rare and are only available at auctions. Seldom on can find it on ebay with very high prices. The prices vary from, INR 50,000 to INR 700,000 depending on the condition. Some specimens are mentioned in, n.4, n.5, n.6, n.7, n.8 and n.9. Please see below link-
http://nilaishipm.blogspot.com/2010/08/indian-private-presidency-bank-notes.html .

The Commercial Bank

The Banknotes issued by Commercial Bank are extremely rare and good collection can be obtained from only two coolectors with vast knowledge (Kishore Jhunjhunwalla, Rezwan Razack). For specimen visit above link with number, n.10.

Bank of Bombay

The banknotes issued by Bank of Bombay is also a rare variety. These notes bear the statue images of John Malcom, Sir Elliphinstone, the Governors of Bombay at that time. For specimens visit the link provided in the post, with numbers, n.11 (Thanks to Rezwan Razack for this image), n.12, n.13, n.14. The prices vary between, INR 100,000 to INR 700,000.

The other varities shown on the link provided are very rare and very hard to find, prices are unique.

Acknowledgements

I am greatful to Mr. Rezwan Razack for his guidelines and knowledge and helping with the scan used. Mr. Kishore Jhunjhunwalla for his book.