25 Rupees

Bank of Madras, 25 Rupees, Dated 1 st July 1843, Type I, S. No. 2275, 'PAID' stamped with date, Uncut, Obv: ‘BANK OF MADRAS’ written in a semi-circle above vignette of Equestrian statue of Sir Thomas Munroe, Governor of Madras (1820-1827), Bank of Madras written in English, Persian, Telugu, and Tamil in the upper panel on either side and also denomination in words in lower panel on either side separated by a floral motif in the center, denomination in numerals on four corners clockwise in Arabic, English, Tamil, and Telugu , TWENTY-FIVE in denomination panel on the lower-left, ‘MADRAS’ in between three-digit printed date 184X on either side below promise text, printed serial 2275 on both halves above promise text, the manuscript signature of Secy. & Treasurer For the BANK OF MADRAS L D Birch , and Entd. by Accountant, printed by Perkins, Bacon & Petch, London., ‘PAID. 8 December 1870 ’ rubber stamp in the center and also handwritten near the serial number on the left, Rev: ‘BANK OF MADRAS’ and denomination in bold words in English, (KJ & RR # 1C.3.1.4), holes, stains, folds, graffiti, uncut, some minor torn visible, strong paper quality, about very fine, Exceedingly Rare. Note: These notes were known to exist only as Specimen Proofs on the card. A handful of issued notes have recently turned up. It is one of the most handsome banknotes of an odd denomination surviving almost in its original condition as issued in its attractive gorgeousness. This banknote is an uncut type having the clear seal ‘Paid 8 December 1870’ on it that denotes it was encashed almost after 27 years. It is one of the hand-picked types that we have ever offered. An incredibly rare offering of paramount rarity from the British India presidency series.