Question 1

What are Queen Elizabeth II Ceylon Banknotes?

Accepted Answer

Queen Elizabeth II Ceylon Banknotes are Central Bank of Ceylon notes dated between 1952 and 1954. They feature Queen Elizabeth II on the front and Ceylonese cultural or archaeological designs on the reverse.

Question 2

Who printed Queen Elizabeth II Ceylon Banknotes?

Accepted Answer

QEII Ceylon notes were printed by Bradbury, Wilkinson & Co. in New Malden, Surrey, England.

Question 3

When were the first Queen Elizabeth II Ceylon Banknotes dated?

Accepted Answer

The first QEII Ceylon notes were dated 3 June 1952, one year before Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation. Ceylon is widely recognized among collectors as the first country to issue circulating banknotes with her portrait.

Question 4

What denominations were issued?

Accepted Answer

The issued denominations were 1 rupee, 2 rupees, 5 rupees, 10 rupees, 50 rupees, and 100 rupees.

Question 5

Which institution was responsible for issuing the Queen Elizabeth II series of Ceylon banknotes?

Accepted Answer

The Central Bank of Ceylon was responsible for issuing the Queen Elizabeth II Ceylon banknote series. The Bank commenced operations on 28 August 1950 and served as the sole legal issuing authority for these notes.

Question 6

Why was the 1954 Ceylon 5 rupees note color changed?

Accepted Answer

The 1952 5 rupees note was printed in purple, orange, and green, which could be confused with the 2 rupees note in everyday use. In 1954, the 5 rupees color scheme was changed to red, orange, and green to make the denomination easier to distinguish.

Question 7

Were Queen Elizabeth II Ceylon Banknotes the last monarch portrait notes of Ceylon?

Accepted Answer

Yes. They were the final Ceylon banknotes to feature a British monarch portrait. Later Ceylon issues replaced the Queen’s portrait with national emblem designs.

Ceylon

Queen Elizabeth II Ceylon Banknotes: 1952-1954 Variety Guide

King George VI Ceylon Banknotes: 1941–1951 Variety Guide