Burma Odd Denomination Series

When it comes to banknotes, most countries opt for denominations that are easy to manage and use in everyday transactions. However, Burma, now known as Myanmar, has a unique collection of banknotes that deviate from the norm. The Burma Odd Denomination Series is a fascinating collection of banknotes that were issued during the years 1985 to 1987. This issue is the second issue of the Union of Burma Bank, not to be confused with the Union Bank of Burma that existed also, and also interestingly this issue is the last issue of Burma before the country's name was officially changed to Myanmar in 1989. In this article, we will delve into the story behind these bizarre banknotes and explore their significance.

Ne Win and the Military Coup of 1962

In 1962, General Ne Win or General U Ne Win led a military coup in Burma and established a military government. This marked the beginning of a tumultuous period in the country's history, characterized by economic instability and political repression. As part of his efforts to consolidate power, Ne Win introduced a series of economic policies that had far-reaching consequences.

One of the most peculiar aspects of Ne Win's economic policies was his belief in numerology. He was deeply superstitious and believed that certain numbers were lucky or unlucky. This belief had a profound impact on the country's currency and led to the creation of the Burma Odd Denomination Series.

The Union of Burma Bank

After the military coup in 1962, the People's Bank of Burma, or the People's Bank of the Union of Burma was established. Following the administrative system overhaul in 1972, the Union of Burma Bank Law of 1975 was enacted, formalizing the recognition of the banking system. As a result, the People's Bank of Union Bank of Burma underwent a name change to become the Union of Burma Bank. Subsequently, four distinct banks—namely, the Union of Burma Bank, Myanmar Economic Bank, Myanmar Foreign Trade Bank, and Myanmar Agriculture Bank—came into existence. This bank should not be confused with the Union Bank of Burma which issued banknotes during the 1950s and early 1960s.

The Union of Burma Bank, which is the last Bank of Burma before the country officially changed its name to Myanmar in 1989, issued 2 series of banknotes. The first series consisted of 6 denominations, that is, 1 Kyat, 5 Kyats, 10 Kyats, 25 Kyats, 50 Kyats, and 100 Kyats. The 25 Kyat is certainly an interesting denomination but it certainly is not odd enough, as many countries have issued banknotes of denomination of two and a half (2 1/2) or twenty five (25).

The second series of the Union of Burma Bank which consisted of 5 denominations is certainly bizarre. The 5 denominations of this series of paper money were issued on 3 different dates. The first banknote of the series is the seventy five (75) kyats. The second and third banknotes of the series are the fifteen (15) kyats and thirty five (35) kyats. The fourth and fifth banknotes of the series are the forty five (45) kyats and ninety (90) kyats. It is for you to judge which of the three groups is the most bizarre, but all are believed to align with Ne Win's superstitious beliefs. We will go into each of the notes in more detail in order of their issuance date.

75 Kyat

The first banknote in the series was the seventy five Kyats paper money, issued on 11 November 1985. The actual birthdate of General Ne Win is uncertain. The book in Burmese titled The Thirty Comrades, authored by Kyaw Nyein mentions his birthdate as 10 July 1910. While, Who's Who in Burma, an English language publication by the People's Literature House published in 1961 and the book Burma and General Ne Win by Dr. Maung Maung mentioned that New Win's birthdate is 14 May 1911. In Burmese tradition, a person's age is determined based on their upcoming birthday. So on 11 November 1985, Ne Win's age was likely to be 75 or 76. Therefore, it is likely that the 75 Kyat banknote was designed to commemorate his 75th birthday.

The portrait shown on the banknote is General Aung San wearing a national dress with a cloth turban. The portrait is very similar to the portrait of the 50 Kyat and 100 Kyat banknotes of the previous issue that were demonetized on 3 November 1985, a few days before this banknote was issued. This 75 Kyat note was demonetized on 5 September 1987.

Denomination: 75 Kyat
Issuer: Union of Burma Bank
Size: 161 x 77 mm
Color: Brown, red-orange, green and gray
Obverse Design: Aung San wearing a cloth turban
Date: None
Signature: None
Material: Paper
Security Thread: Solid thread with printed Burmese text
Watermark: Aung San
Printer: Security Printing Wazi
Issue Date: 10 November 1985
Catalog Number: Banknote Book B1010; Pick 65

15 Kyat and 35 Kyat

The fifteen Kyats paper money and thirty five Kyats paper money were issued on 1 August 1986. General Aung San's portrait on the 15 Kyat note is similar to his portrait on the 25 Kyat note of the previous issue. General Aung San's portrait on the 35 Kyat note is different from the 10 Kyat note of the previous issue but is also seen wearing a peak cap. So the portrait of General Aung San on the first three notes of this series has a resemblance to the banknotes of the previous series. The 35 Kyat note was demonetized on 5 September 1987. On the same day, the 25 Kyat note of the previous series was also demonetized.

Denomination: 15 Kyat
Issuer: Union of Burma Bank
Size: 149 x 71 mm
Color: Blue-gray, green and red
Obverse Design: Aung San without cap
Date: None
Signature: None
Material: Paper
Security Thread: Solid thread with printed Burmese text
Watermark: Aung San
Printer: Security Printing Wazi
Issue Date: 1 August 1986
Catalog Number: Banknote Book B1007; Pick 62

Denomination: 35 Kyat
Issuer: Union of Burma Bank
Size: 155 x 74 mm
Color: Brown-violet and purple
Obverse Design: Aung San with peak cap
Date: None
Signature: None
Material: Paper
Security Thread: Solid thread with printed Burmese text
Watermark: Aung San
Printer: Security Printing Wazi
Issue Date: 1 August 1986
Catalog Number: Banknote Book B1008; Pick 63

45 Kyat and 90 Kyat

The forty five Kyats paper money and the highest denomination of the series, the ninety Kyats paper money were issued on 22 September 1987. Like the 75 Kyat note was issued a few days after the demonetization of the 50 Kyat and 100 Kyat notes of the previous series, the 45 Kyat and 90 Kyat notes were issued a few days after the demonetization of the 25 Kyat note of the previous series and the 35 Kyat and 75 Kyat note of this series.

The denominations of 45 and 90 kyat notes were believed to be chosen for their multiples of 9, a number deemed auspicious by Ne Win's numerologist.

Interestingly, these two banknotes do not show the portrait of General Aung San that is usually shown on Burmese banknotes after independence. The 45 Kyat banknote depicts a portrait of Thakin Po Hla Gyi, a worker in the Burmese oil industry and a prominent figure in the leadership of the Year 1300 Strikes, protesting against British colonial rule. The 90 Kyat banknote depicts a portrait of Saya San or Yan Kyaw, a physician, monk, and the forefront figure in the Saya San Rebellion of 1930–1932 during the British colonial era in Burma, protesting against British colonial rule. The actual reasons behind choosing these two anti-colonial figures are unknown, but there are suggestions that Ne Win wanted to show that Aung San was not the only key independence activist but there were others involved as well.

Denomination: 45 Kyat
Issuer: Union of Burma Bank
Size: 158 x 75 mm
Color: Blue-gray and blue
Obverse Design: Pho Hla Gyi
Date: None
Signature: None
Material: Paper
Security Thread: Solid thread with printed Burmese text
Watermark: Pho Hla Gyi
Printer: Security Printing Wazi
Issue Date: 22 September 1987
Catalog Number: Banknote Book B1009; Pick 64

Denomination: 90 Kyat
Issuer: Union of Burma Bank
Size: 167 x 80 mm
Color: Green, brown, and blue
Obverse Design: Saya San
Date: None
Signature: None
Material: Paper
Security Thread: Solid thread with printed Burmese text
Watermark: Saya San
Printer: Security Printing Wazi
Issue Date: 22 September 1987
Catalog Number: Banknote Book B1011; Pick 66

Significance of the Series

The Burma Odd Denomination Series holds a significant place in the country's history. It serves as a reminder of the eccentricities of Ne Win's regime and the impact of his superstitious beliefs on the economy. Ne Win's beliefs in astrology and numerology and his desire to consolidate power led to the introduction of these bizarre banknotes. These banknotes are a testament to the unique blend of politics, economics, and superstition that characterized Burma during this period.

Despite their odd denominations, the banknotes were still used in everyday transactions. However, their unusual values made them cumbersome for both buyers and sellers. The introduction of these banknotes reflected the arbitrary nature of Ne Win's economic policies and the challenges faced by the Burmese people during this time.

Today, the Burma Odd Denomination Series is a collector's delight. These banknotes are sought after by numismatists and history enthusiasts alike, as they offer a glimpse into a fascinating period in Burma's history. Interestingly, Burma is the only country where there are banknotes that end in 5 from 5 to 45, this is, there are 5 Kyats, 15 Kyats, 25 Kyats, 35 Kyats, and 45 Kyats and all of them were issued by the Union of Burma Bank.

Conclusion

The Burma Odd Denomination Series is a testament to the unique blend of politics, economics, and superstition that characterized the country during a turbulent period. Despite their odd denominations, these banknotes were not commemorative issues but played a role in everyday transactions, thus, reflecting the challenges faced by the Burmese people during this time. Today, the Burma Odd Denomination Series, also the last issue that the country was officially named Burma, serves as a collector's item, offering a glimpse into the country's history and the impact of political decisions on its currency.