Dominion of India Banknotes

Dominion of India banknotes represent a brief but historically significant chapter in India’s currency evolution — issued after independence on 15 August 1947 and before the country became a republic on 26 January 1950.

Initially, these notes were reissued versions of British India banknotes bearing the portrait of King George VI. The only distinguishing feature was the change in serial number colors — with the 1 Rupee, 2 Rupees, and 5 Rupees notes printed with red serial numbers, and the 100 Rupees note issued with a green serial number. These subtle differences mark the beginning of India’s shift toward a sovereign currency system.

In 1949, a major design change was introduced with the release of a 10 Rupees note featuring the Ashoka Pillar emblem in place of the monarch’s portrait. This note displayed the denomination in English only on the front and was signed by C.D. Deshmukh, India’s first Indian-born Governor of the Reserve Bank of India. It was followed by a 100 Rupees note with a similar design, issued on 9 January 1950, just days before India became a republic. This note was signed by B. Rama Rau, marking one of the final issues of the Dominion period.

Collectors value Dominion notes for their transitional significance, scarcity, and symbolic role in bridging the colonial past with independent India's currency future. Below is our growing collection of banknotes from this important phase in India's monetary history.

The Transitional Currency of Dominion of India

Discover our curated selection of Dominion of India banknotes, issued between independence in 1947 and the formation of the Republic in 1950. This collection includes rare varieties with red or green serial numbers on King George VI portrait notes, as well as early Ashoka Pillar designs signed by C.D. Deshmukh and B. Rama Rau. Each note captures a pivotal moment in India’s transition from colonial rule to sovereign governance. New items are added regularly, so check back often to explore more.

Our Dominion of India Banknote Collection

King George VI

Pick 25b – Dominion of India KGVI 1 Rupee Red Serial Number
Grade: PMG 35 • Price: $700

Ashoka Pillar

Pick 41 – India 100 Rupees English Only Kanpur U Prefix
Grade: AU • Price: $950

We’re always updating our collection of British India banknotes. If you’re searching for a particular note — whether by Pick number, year, issuing circle, prefix, or any variety — we’d love to help.

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🔗 Explore More Banknote Series

Continue your journey through India’s currency history with other collectible note series, from British colonial issues to post-independence paper money.

🔹 British India Banknotes
Discover the earliest official paper money of colonial India, including both uniface and portrait notes issued before independence.

🔹 King George V Banknotes
Explore the first portrait banknotes of British India, spanning multiple denominations from the 1910s to 1930s.

🔹 King George VI Banknotes
Explore notes featuring King George VI, issued in the late colonial and transitional years leading up to India’s independence.

🔹 British Burma Banknotes
Find notes used in Burma during colonial rule, including King George V overprints, RBI-issued peacock notes, and King George VI overprints.

🔹 King George VI Pakistan Banknotes
View British India notes lithographed with “Government of Pakistan” text — issued shortly after the 1947 partition for use in Pakistan.

🔹 Republic India Banknotes
See the Ashoka Pillar and Mahatma Gandhi series that define India’s official post-republic paper money.

🔹 Fancy Serial Number Banknotes
Discover banknotes with collectible serial patterns like solid numbers, ladders, low numbers, million number, and more.

🔹 Other Rare Indian Banknotes
Uncover unique issues from French India, Portuguese India, Gulf circulation, and Princely States that fall outside standard categories.

Whether you're a seasoned collector or just starting out, these curated categories offer a rich view into the historical, political, and artistic evolution of Indian currency notes.

🛒 Browse All Banknotes - View our complete collection of Indian banknotes across all regions and eras.
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