Green Underprint 5 Rupees Uniface Notes of India

The Green Underprint 5 Rupees uniface banknotes of British India hold a distinctive place in the history of Indian paper currency, both as the lowest denomination of uniface notes issued and the last denomination introduced in the uniface series. These notes, first issued following the Paper Currency Act of 1871, represent a pivotal shift in India’s monetary system under British rule. While the uniface series also included denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1000, and 10000 Rupees, the 5 Rupee note stands out not only for its lower value but also for its rich historical context. This article serves as the first in a series dedicated to exploring India’s uniface banknotes, beginning with the 5 Rupees Green Underprint notes.

Historical Background

The introduction of paper currency by the Government of India was formalized with the enactment of An Act to Provide for a Government Paper Currency (Act 19 of 1861). This act centralized currency issuance under the British administration, aiming to regulate and control the money supply across the territories. According to Section 2 of the Act, after its passing, no corporate body, individual, or group in British India—except for the Banks of Bengal, Madras, and Bombay until March 1, 1862—was permitted to draw, accept, make, or issue any bill of exchange or promissory note. This provision was intended to curb unauthorized issuance of currency and establish a standardized, government-backed note system. All issued notes prominently bore the text “Government of India,” signifying their official status and reinforcing the authority of the central government over currency issuance.

Section 3 of the Act introduced the Department of Issue, established under the authority of the Governor-General of India, which was solely responsible for issuing promissory notes. However, these notes were restricted to denominations no lower than 10 Rupees, setting a limit that excluded smaller transactions from the benefits of paper currency. In response to the evolving needs of the colonial economy, An Act to Amend Act No. 19 of 1861 (Act 30 of 1867) was introduced, receiving assent on June 19, 1867. This amendment further streamlined administrative and operational procedures for currency issuance, facilitating broader acceptance of paper currency in India. Yet, despite these amendments, the 10 Rupee note remained the lowest denomination, as it was deemed a suitable entry point for introducing the population to paper currency while maintaining the use of coins for smaller transactions.

Introduction of 5 Rupee Notes

The Indian Paper Currency Act, 1871 (Act No. 3 of 1871), represented a pivotal moment in India's monetary history, allowing for the issuance of 5 Rupees banknotes. This marked a significant step forward in expanding the use of paper currency for smaller transactions, making it more accessible to a broader section of the population. Under the provisions of the 1871 Act, the issuing authority retained the name Department of Issue, maintaining its role as the central body for currency distribution. This legislative change reflected the growing need for lower-denomination notes to accommodate the evolving financial demands of the colonial economy, further integrating paper currency into everyday commerce.

Section 3 of the Indian Paper Currency Act, 1871, provided the legal foundation for this development, granting the Department of Issue the authority to issue promissory notes on behalf of the Government of India. It specifically authorized the issuance of notes “payable to bearer on demand, for such sums, not being less than five rupees, as the Governor General in Council from time to time directs.” By lowering the minimum denomination for paper currency, this act bridged the gap between larger denominations and coinage, facilitating smoother transactions and fostering greater acceptance of paper money across the territories.

Evolution of Currency Administration

Under the Indian Paper Currency Act, 1882 (Act 20 of 1882), a significant administrative change was introduced with the renaming of the issuing authority. Pursuant to Section 3 of the Act, the Department of Issue became the Department of Paper Currency. This renaming marked a symbolic and practical shift toward a more modernized and efficient system for managing currency issuance. The updated nomenclature reflected the growing sophistication of the colonial economy and aligned the administration with the increasing complexity of currency management across British India’s diverse regions.

5 Rupees Green Underprint Varieties

The Green Underprint 5 Rupees series includes three main varieties, each distinguished by the number of language panels incorporated into their design:

1. Green Underprint with 4 Language Panels
2. Green Underprint with 2 Language Panels
3. Green Underprint with 6 Language Panels

All three varieties of the Green Underprint 5 Rupees notes were printed by the Bank of England in London on high-quality white moulded paper supplied by Portals Ltd. The notes prominently feature "Government of India" at the top center, along with the promissory text, "Promise to pay the bearer on demand the sum of five rupees," and the text "For the Government of India" located in the bottom left corner. Each note includes an alphanumeric prefix, initially using a single letter and later transitioning to two letters, positioned above numbers running from 1 to 100. The serial numbers consist of 5 digits. The notes were dispatched to India unsigned.

In this article, we will explore these three varieties in detail, examining their unique characteristics and the linguistic and administrative nuances involved in their design.

4 Language Panels Variety

The earliest and most widely recognized variety of the Green Underprint 5 Rupees note features four separate language panels and two serial numbers.

Circle of Issue

The issuance and distribution of these notes were governed by the Indian Paper Currency Act of 1871, which established specific districts or issuing circles for currency management. Section 5 of the Act designated three primary Circles of Issue located in major towns: Bombay, Calcutta, and Madras.

Secondary towns were also permitted to function as issuing centers, provided they were linked to one of these three main circles. For instance, Akola, Kurrachee, and Nagpore were tied to the Bombay circle; Allahabad and Lahore were connected to Calcutta; and Calicut, Coconada, Trichinopoly, and Vizagapatam were associated with Madras. When secondary issuing centers appeared on the banknotes, their names were listed first, followed by the main circle name, such as "Akola or Bombay," "Lahore or Calcutta," and "Vizagapatam or Madras." This system identified the specific issuing point while maintaining its association with the primary circle.

The design of the issuing circle details on the banknotes depended on the type of circle. When only a single circle of issue was used, such as a main town, the name appeared once on a single line, symmetrically flanked by mirrored dates. However, when a sub-circle and a main circle were involved, the layout was more detailed. The sub-circle’s name appeared on the top line, with the main circle’s name positioned on the bottom line, separated by "or" or aligned between the two lines. This arrangement was mirrored on both sides of the banknote, ensuring the names were displayed twice in symmetrical positions, resulting in a balanced and visually distinctive format.

Known circle of issues for this variety include: Bombay, Akola or Bombay, Kurrachee or Bombay, Calcutta, Allahabad or Calcutta, Lahore or Calcutta, Madras, and Calicut or Madras.

Language Panels

Each Circle of Issue was tasked with distributing notes within its designated region, accommodating India's vast geographic and cultural diversity by dividing the country into three main zones. These major circles, based in Bombay, Calcutta, and Madras, allowed currency to be tailored to the linguistic and cultural nuances of each area. Differences in language and numeral panels were incorporated to reflect the varied languages and scripts of each region, making the currency more accessible and relevant to local populations.

This variety featured four language panels on the obverse of the note, each corresponding to one of the primary Circles of Issue or Presidency. Each language panel also included a corresponding numeral in a script aligned with the language:

Bombay Presidency: Urdu (Top Left), Marathi (Bottom Left), Gujarati (Top Right), Kannada (Bottom Right)

Calcutta Presidency: Urdu (Top Left), Hindi (Bottom Left), Kaithi (Top Right), Bengali (Bottom Right)

Madras Presidency: Telugu (Top Left), Kannada (Bottom Left), Malayalam (Top Right), Tamil (Bottom Right)

Numerals

The numeral denomination panels on the left and right sides of the note reflect the linguistic diversity of the regions, containing five numeral styles that match the corresponding language panels. In all varieties, the Western Arabic numeral "5" is positioned at the top and the remaining four numerals align with the languages represented in the language panels. Additionally, the Western Arabic numeral "5" is prominently displayed in green at the center of the note, adding a unifying visual element across all varieties.

Serial numbers

This variety featured two serial numbers placed symmetrically at the top on opposite sides of the note, along with the dates flanking the issuing circle arranged in a balanced, mirrored layout. This design allowed the notes to be conveniently cut in half, enabling one half to be used as a deposit and the other half to be paid later, a customary practice at the time. Initially, single prefixes such as A, B, C, D, and so forth were used for these notes. Once the single prefix combinations were exhausted, double prefixes like AA, AB, and so forth were introduced.

Known Varieties

At least 31 varieties of these notes have been documented, each featuring a single signature. For simplicity, we have listed the known issuing circles along with their respective signatures:

Bombay (6 known varieties): James Law Lushington (J.L. Lushington), Edward Gay (E. Gay), Alfred Cotterell Tupps (A.C. Tupps), Robert Logan (R. Logan), Arthur Frederic Cox (A.F. Cox), Oscar Theodore Barrow (O.T. Barrow).

Akola or Bombay (1 known variety): James Law Lushington (J.L. Lushington).

Kurrachee or Bombay (1 known variety): Robert Logan (R. Logan).

Calcutta (6 known varieties): Edward Francis Harrison (E.F. Harrison), Robert Armitage Sterndale (R.A. Sterndale), James Westland (J. Westland), Edward Gay (E. Gay), Stephen Jacob, Arthur Frederic Cox (A.F. Cox).

Allahabad or Calcutta (4 known varieties): Edward Francis Harrison (E.F. Harrison), Robert Armitage Sterndale (R.A. Sterndale), Stephen Jacob, Arthur Frederic Cox (A.F. Cox).

Lahore or Calcutta (6 known varieties): Edward Gay (E. Gay), Alfred Cotterell Tupps (A.C. Tupps), Stephen Jacob, Robert Logan (R. Logan), Arthur Frederic Cox (A.F. Cox), Oscar Theodore Barrow (O.T. Barrow).

Madras (5 known varieties): Herbert Frederick Clogstoun (H. Clogstoun), Thomas William Rawlins (T.W. Rawlins), Francis Capel Harrison (F.C. Harrison), Thomas Hesketh Biggs (T. Hesketh Biggs), William Herbert Dobbie (W.H. Dobbie).

Calicut or Madras (2 known varieties): Franklyn Lushington (F. Lushington), Francis Capel Harrison (F.C. Harrison).

Given the age and extensive issuance period of these notes, it is highly likely that additional varieties exist beyond those currently documented. If you possess an unlisted variety, we encourage you to share photos with us or consider offering it for sale. Even for the known varieties listed above, we are interested in prefixes, dates, or other unique features that may make your note particularly special. Don’t hesitate to reach out — we’re always eager to acquire rare and unique pieces to expand our understanding and collections.

2 Language Panels Variety

The Green Underprint 5 Rupees notes featuring 2 language panels are distinct to the Rangoon Circle of Issue, introduced following the Indian Paper Currency Act of 1882 (Act 20 of 1882). Section 5 of the Act formally established Rangoon as the fourth main office of issue, alongside the primary circles of Bombay, Calcutta, and Madras, reflecting its significance within British India, especially as Burma was under British administration at the time.

Language Panels

In this variety, only two language panels are displayed on the obverse. However, each panel combines two languages, maintaining linguistic representation but in a condensed format. This format was also applied to the 10 Rupees and 20 Rupees notes issued from the Calcutta circle. The four languages represented in this Rangoon variety are:

Left Panel: Burmese (top), Tamil (bottom)
Right Panel: Urdu (top), Chinese (bottom)

Numerals

The numeral denomination panels on the left and right sides feature the Western Arabic numeral "5" at the top, while the remaining four numerals correspond to the languages represented in the language panels. A bold Western Arabic numeral "5" is also prominently showcased in green at the center of the note.

Signatures and Serial Numbers

The Green under print notes Rangoon circle are associated with at least five known signatures, many of which remain unlisted in numerous books and catalogs. The earliest known signatures, dating from the 1880s and 1890s, are Thomas Hesketh Biggs (T. Hesketh Biggs) and Richard Erris Hamilton (R.E. Hamilton). Known banknotes bearing these signatures are characterized by two serial numbers. Later signatures from the 1900s include Frederic James Atkinson (F. Atkinson), Mager Frederic Gauntlett (M.F. Gauntlett), and Herbert James Brereton (H.J. Brereton). Notes with these later signatures are known to have four serial numbers.

6 Language Panels Variety

The Green Underprint notes with 6 language panels represent a significant shift in design, diverging from the region-specific language panels seen in the earlier varieties.

Standardized Language Panels

Unlike the earlier varieties, this note features six standardized language panels across all Circles of Issue, regardless of location. This standardized language arrangement appears as follows:

Top Row: Urdu, Bengali, Telugu
Bottom Row: Kaithi, Kannada, Tamil

This uniform approach simplified the production process while ensuring broad language representation across regions. The note continued to feature four serial numbers, further enhancing its security.

Serial Numbers

The Green Underprint 5 Rupees notes with 6 language panels are notable for featuring four serial numbers arranged symmetrically across the note. Two of these serial numbers are positioned at the top on opposite sides, maintaining a balanced layout. The additional two serial numbers are placed below the numeral denomination panels, also symmetrically aligned on both sides of the note. Further enhancing the symmetry, the issuing circle is flanked by dates on either side, creating a mirrored layout.

Known Circles of Issue

The 6 Language Panel variety is known to have been issued in the following circles: Bombay, Kurrachee or Bombay, Calcutta, and Lahore or Calcutta.

The broader inclusion of standardized languages suggests a move toward a unified approach in currency issuance, balancing the need for regional accessibility with production efficiency.

Known Signatures

The Green Underprint 5 Rupees notes with 6 language panels are distinguished have limited signature varieties, with only two known signatories: Arthur Frederic Cox (A.F. Cox) and Oscar Theodore Barrow (O.T. Barrow). These notes, most likely issued between 1901 and 1903, reflect a brief period of issuance, with the limited number of signatures highlighting the constrained timeframe during which they were produced and overseen.

Known Varieties

There are five known combinations of issuing circles and signatures associated with this variety. For the Bombay Circle, notes signed by both O.T. Barrow and A.F. Cox have been documented. Additionally, the circle Kurrachee or Bombay, which is unlisted in many references, is known to have notes bearing A.F. Cox’s signature. The Calcutta Circle includes notes signed by A.F. Cox, and another variety with the issuing circle Lahore or Calcutta is also known, again signed by A.F. Cox.

Conclusion

The Green Underprint 5 Rupees banknotes hold a unique place in Indian currency history, representing both the expansion of paper currency accessibility and the diverse linguistic landscape of British India. Issued under the framework of the Paper Currency Act of 1871, these notes exemplify the British administration’s efforts to create a currency system that could accommodate lower-value transactions, making paper money more accessible to a broader population.

These fascinating notes boast a range of varieties, including different circles of issue, signatures, prefixes, and dates, spanning over four decades. Their historical depth and design complexity continue to captivate collectors worldwide. As part of our ongoing commitment to education and expanding our documentation, we are keen buyers of both listed and unlisted varieties to further enrich our understanding and collections.

As we progress in this series on India’s uniface banknotes, these Green Underprint notes serve as a vivid reminder of the intricate and multi-layered history behind Indian paper money. In our next article, we will delve into the Red Underprint varieties of the 5 Rupees uniface banknotes, exploring how these changes reflected the evolving needs and administrative strategies of British India.