Georg VI Ten Rupees JB Taylor 1938 Note

Obverse (Front) Details

Displays a right-facing portrait of King George VI dressed in elaborate regal robes and the imperial crown, positioned prominently within an oval frame on the right side.

The top border reads “RESERVE BANK OF INDIA” and below it, “GUARANTEED BY THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT”.

Central text states: “I PROMISE TO PAY THE BEARER THE SUM OF TEN RUPEES”, with “ON DEMAND AT ANY OFFICE OF ISSUE” beneath.

The denomination “TEN RUPEES” appears in bold, stylized letters in the center.

The serial number “E 73 681146” is printed in red in the upper right corner, alongside the prefix.

Both lower corners display the “10” denomination inside ornate frames.

The note bears the signature of J.B. Taylor, then RBI Governor, on the bottom left.

The backdrop features tropical Indian scenery, including sugarcane stalks, palm trees, and distant hills—highlighting agricultural India during the colonial era.

Reverse (Back) Details

The primary design element is two elephants, each ridden by mahouts, flanking the RBI seal at the center.

“RESERVE BANK OF INDIA” is inscribed arching above the imagery.

The value “TEN RUPEES” is encased at the bottom within decorative scrollwork.

A language panel on the left spells “Ten Rupees” in multiple regional languages framed by ornate borders.

Security watermark area is present on the right.

There is visible handwriting or graffiti in pen ink across the center of the note.

Historical Significance

This King George VI series note was issued between 1938 and 1947, representing early British-era Reserve Bank of India paper currency, post RBI’s establishment in 1935.

Its design combines imperial British symbols (royal portrait) with Indian themes (elephants, crops), reflecting the dual influences of its time.

Notes from this era are sought after by collectors, showcasing India’s monetary and colonial history.

Collectibility and Value

Condition, serial number rarity, prefix, and the signature type affect its collectibility and market value.

Notes in Fine condition, with clear imagery and signature, are more valuable.

Handwriting or pen marks, as seen on this note, can reduce collector appeal but may add historical character for some numismatists.

This remarkable King George VI 10 Rupees note embodies a unique chapter of the subcontinent’s pre-independence numismatic heritage, making it a prized item for currency collectors.