50 Rupees

Bank of Madras, 50 Rupees, Dated -- --- 184X, Type I, S. No. 11717, 'PAID' stamped with date, 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 , FIFTY in denomination panel on the lower-left, ‘MADRAS’ in between three-digit printed date 184X on either side below promise text, printed serial 11717 on both halves above promise text, the manuscript signature of Secy. & Treasurer For the BANK OF MADRAS , Robert Hunter 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.3.1.5), holes, stains, folds, graffiti, cut and taped at the reverse, 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. This banknote was cut into two halves and later joined, this was the common practice of banking during those days to pay the owner of this note in silver or gold coins by producing both halves at the bank. It has survived almost in its entirety and showcases its strong quality until today. A tremendously rare type that we have ever offered.