King George V Banknotes

King George V banknotes represent an important period in the development of Indian paper money. The introduction of the King’s portrait on circulating banknotes marked a significant departure from the predominantly text-based currency designs that had characterized earlier Government of India issues. These notes combined royal portraiture with intricate security printing, distinctive watermarks and increasingly sophisticated banknote production.

The first portrait notes appeared in 1917, when the Government of India introduced a 1 Rupee note bearing King George V on a coin illustration. This was followed by the unusual 2 Rupees 8 Annas denomination in 1918. In May 1923, a new 10 Rupees note introduced the regular King’s Portrait Series, which subsequently expanded into additional denominations.

King George V banknotes include some of the most recognizable designs of British India, from the small 1935-dated One Rupee note to large-format high denominations featuring elaborate architectural and wildlife illustrations. Collectors distinguish these notes according to denomination, signature, issuing circle, watermark, design type and serial number prefix.

The collecting field also extends beyond British India. When Burma was separated administratively from India in 1937, selected King George V Indian banknotes were officially overprinted for circulation in Burma. These special issues created a direct numismatic connection between the two territories.

This collection concentrates exclusively on banknotes bearing the portrait of King George V, including his image on printed coin representations. Earlier uniface Government of India notes are outside its scope, even when their dates fall within his reign.

IndiaBanknotes specializes in historical Indian and related colonial currency, including British India, British Burma and professionally graded King George V notes. This guide introduces the main portrait series, their historical development, collecting varieties and distinctive features.

King George V and British India

King George V reigned from 1910 until his death in January 1936. As Emperor of India, his portrait appeared on coins, stamps and eventually banknotes produced under the British Indian monetary administration. His reign coincided with significant developments in India’s economy, financial institutions and currency production.

Before portrait notes were introduced, many Government of India banknotes were printed on one side only. These uniface issues relied primarily on inscriptions, language panels, watermarks, serial numbers and coloured underprints rather than a royal portrait. Their designs belonged to a separate tradition of Indian paper money.

The appearance of King George V on banknotes therefore represented a notable visual change. The monarch’s portrait became a prominent identifying element, accompanied by decorative frames, geometric patterns and increasingly elaborate printed backgrounds. These innovations also helped differentiate denominations and provided additional protection against counterfeiting.

The 1917 One Rupee and 1918 Two Rupees Eight Annas

The First World War increased pressure on the monetary system, including demand for small-denomination currency. In response, the Government of India introduced a 1 Rupee paper note on 30 November 1917. Rather than use a conventional engraved portrait, its front incorporated the obverse of a King George V rupee coin.

The note was followed on 2 January 1918 by the 2 Rupees 8 Annas denomination, equivalent to two and a half rupees under the pre-decimal system of 16 annas to one rupee. This denomination is particularly unusual and remains a distinctive objective for Indian banknote collectors.

Both issues were intended to address practical currency requirements. Their production also demonstrated that small-value paper notes could supplement coinage during periods of economic disruption. The original issues were discontinued in 1926, although their designs occupy an important place in the development of portrait currency.

The King’s Portrait Series from 1923

The regular King’s Portrait Series began in May 1923 with the introduction of a new 10 Rupees note. Unlike the 1917 One Rupee, which reproduced the King’s portrait from a coin, the new notes used a prominent engraved portrait of King George V within the banknote’s own design.

Further denominations followed, incorporating different colour combinations, ornamental frames and watermark arrangements. The 5, 10, 50 and 100 Rupees issues became important components of the series, while higher denominations such as 1,000 and 10,000 Rupees were designed for substantial financial transactions.

The notes were issued under the authority of the Government of India. Their signatures were those of Indian currency officials rather than a central bank governor. Names encountered by collectors include M. M. S. Gubbay, A. C. McWatters, H. Denning, J. B. Taylor and J. W. Kelly.

Changes in signatories, watermarks and printing arrangements produced numerous collectible varieties. For some denominations, the office of issue also appeared on the note, creating another important means of classification.

Currency Note Press at Nasik

Early King George V portrait banknotes were produced in Britain, principally through established security printers such as Thomas De La Rue. The development of the Currency Note Press at Nasik, now Nashik, subsequently transformed Indian banknote production.

The Nasik facility became operational in the late 1920s, and an increasing proportion of Indian currency production moved to India. By the early 1930s, the press was responsible for the full range of Indian banknote printing. The transition contributed to changes in printing techniques, security features and design execution.

For collectors, the distinction between earlier British-printed portrait notes and later India Security Press issues can be significant. Different production periods are associated with particular signatures, watermarks, designs and serial numbering conventions.

The 1935-Dated King George V One Rupee Note

The smaller 1935-dated King George V 1 Rupee note features the obverse of a King George V coin. The reverse includes the denomination, the coin date 1935 and the crowned GRI monogram. Its compact format differs substantially from the larger 1917 issue.

The 1935-dated One Rupee is one of the most recognizable King George V banknotes. Collectors study its printing varieties, serial number formats, watermarks and signatures, including notes signed by J. W. Kelly.

Some varieties were produced in the United Kingdom, while later examples were printed in India. Differences in watermark design, serial number typography and paper format provide important identification clues. Certain Indian-printed examples were issued from booklets and may have a perforated edge.

British Burma and the 1937 Overprints

Burma had formed part of British India before becoming a separately administered British colony on 1 April 1937. The administrative separation created a need to distinguish currency circulating in Burma from ordinary Indian notes.

As a transitional measure, selected existing Indian banknotes bearing King George V were officially overprinted for circulation in Burma. The authorized denominations were 5, 10 and 100 Rupees. The notes retained their original portraits and underlying Indian designs while carrying wording identifying them for Burma.

These overprinted issues provide an important distinction from the later King George VI Burma-specific banknotes. They belong to the transitional period immediately following administrative separation and illustrate how existing currency could be adapted to meet a new monetary requirement.

Collectors should distinguish genuine Burma overprints from later additions and forged examples. In particular, a purported King George V 1,000 Rupees Burma overprint should not be treated as an officially issued denomination.

From King George V to King George VI

King George V died in January 1936, and his portrait series was gradually replaced by King George VI banknotes. The transition was not immediate. Existing note stocks and administrative requirements meant that designs associated with King George V continued to appear during the period following his death.

The establishment of the Reserve Bank of India in 1935 also changed the issuing structure of Indian paper money. Although the Government of India retained responsibility for the 1 Rupee denomination, the Reserve Bank took over the issue of higher-denomination banknotes.

King George V portrait notes therefore represent the final major phase of Government of India banknote production before central-bank-issued portrait currency became established. They provide a historical bridge between earlier Government of India notes and the King George VI issues of the Reserve Bank of India.

The Reserve Bank of India’s historical overview of British India paper money provides further information about the introduction of small-denomination notes, the King’s Portrait Series and changes in Indian banknote production.