King George V Burma Overprint on India Banknotes

The King George V Burma Overprint on India Banknotes mark a unique and pivotal chapter in Southeast Asian currency history. This article, the first in our series exploring Burma's fascinating banknotes up to the Myanmar era, delves into these special issues. Following Burma's separation from British India, existing India banknotes were provisionally overprinted with the distinct 'Legal Tender in Burma Only' for exclusive circulation within Burma. We will examine the historical context, the various types of black and red overprints, and the denominations of 5, 10, and 100 Rupees that were circulated. Crucially, we'll also guide you on how to identify genuine notes from forgeries. For a comprehensive overview of the organizations and authorities behind these issues, you might find our article on the Issuers of Burma Banknotes insightful

Burma as Part of British India

Before delving into the specifics of Burma’s banknotes featuring King George V, it’s crucial to understand the broader historical context. As part of British India, Burma used Indian banknotes. These notes, issued under the authority of the Government of India, featured King George V and were legal tender throughout the Indian Empire, including Burma.

Rangoon Circle

Uniface banknotes and certain King George V banknotes of British India would bear the full name of the issuing circle or code letter signifying the circle. Indian Paper Currency Act, 1882 (Act No. XX. of 1882), when parts of Burma were under British rule, extended the issuance of paper currency of the Government of India to British Burma and established Rangoon as a new circle of issue. Uniface banknotes with Rangoon as the issuing circle would bear the full name Rangoon or the initial R, while, King George V 1917 Issue 1 Rupee and 2 1/2 Rupee would have the prefix R, while, the 50 Rupees, 100 Rupees, 1000 Rupees, and 10000 Rupees would have the issuing circle Rangoon printed on the banknotes.

The Rangoon circle notes were identical to British Indian notes of other circles in design and value but were distinguished by their specific issuing location, and for some uniface banknotes, the language panels are well. British India banknotes bearing other circles were also circulated widely and facilitated trade and commerce in the region.

Banknotes with No Circle

On 5 Rupees and 10 Rupees uniface banknotes, the circle initials were eliminated in 1918. The 1917 1 Rupee issue 2nd print was also universalized and did not use prefixes signifying issuing circles. In addition, the 1935 Issue 1 Rupee and all 5 Rupees and 10 Rupees bearing King George V's portrait did not have any prefix signifying circles at all. These banknotes circulated in Burma and were accepted as legal tender.

Transition Period

As Burma moved towards separation from British India, the financial system also had to transition. The reliance on British Indian currency continued even after the separation became formalized. This transition period saw a mix of British Indian notes in circulation, which were later supplemented by overprinted notes specifically for Burma.

The British India Rangoon circle banknotes and the other uniface and King George V banknotes without circles were still part of the broader monetary system of British India and thus are not the primary focus of this article.

Burma's Separation from British India

The historical separation of Burma from British India in 1937 was a pivotal moment that redefined the region's political and administrative landscape. This decision stemmed from a series of socio-political movements and administrative challenges that had been brewing for decades. The agitation for separation was largely driven by Burmese nationalists who sought greater autonomy and were discontent with being governed as a mere province of British India. The Simon Commission's visit to India in 1928 and subsequent recommendations played a significant role in amplifying these demands.

Government of India Act 1935

Despite the initial reluctance from British authorities, Burma was ultimately separated from India. Burma's separation from India was catalyzed by the Government of India Act of 1935. Before this act, Burma had been administered as a province of British India since 1 January 1886, following the annexation of Burma by the British Empire. The Government of India Act of 1935 was a comprehensive legislative measure designed to grant a greater degree of autonomy to the provinces of British India. It aimed to address growing nationalist sentiments and the demand for self-governance. One of the act's most significant provisions was the formal separation of Burma from British India, which took effect on 1 April 1937.

The separation allowed Burma to pursue its path towards self-governance while still being under British colonial rule. The newly formed government of Burma was granted greater control over its internal affairs, which was a critical step towards full sovereignty. Burma had to establish new administrative structures and policies independent of Indian influence. This included setting up a separate legislative council and developing a governance framework suited to Burma's context. The separation also had profound implications on Burma's financial and monetary policies.

Burma Monetary Arrangements Order 1937

The Burmese Monetary Arrangements Order of 1937 was a pivotal regulation that formalized Burma's financial independence following its separation from British India. Before this, Burma's monetary system was integrated with that of British India, utilizing Indian currency. However, with the Government of India Act 1935 and the subsequent administrative separation of Burma in 1937, a distinct monetary system became essential to reflect its new political status.

The Order of 1937 facilitated the transition from Indian to Burmese currency, ensuring a smooth changeover in financial transactions and economic management. By addressing the immediate need for a distinct currency and laying the foundation for a separate monetary system, the order played a key role in transitioning Burma into its new status as a separately administered colony, eventually paving the way for its future economic independence.

Provisional Issue of 1937

One of the immediate tasks under the Burma Monetary Arrangements Order 1937 was to address the currency needs of the Burmese economy with paper money that differed from those of British India and would be legal tender in Burma only, and not in British India.

As it would take time to design and print new banknotes for Burma, an interim solution was required. This led to the overprinting of existing King George V Indian banknotes with "Legal Tender in Burma Only" to distinguish them from those still circulating in India. This served as an interim measure while the establishment of a fully independent Burmese currency system was underway.

The overprint marked the notes as being legal tender only within Burma, preventing them from being used in other parts of British India. These overprinted provisional notes were crucial during the initial phase of Burma’s separation. It also facilitated a smooth transition to a distinct Burmese currency without the immediate need to produce entirely new banknotes, and at the same time also stabilized the local economy and fostered confidence in the new monetary system.

Denominations

Around 1937, King George V notes used in Burma for everyday transactions included 1, 5, 10, and 100 Rupees banknotes. Of these denominations, the British authorities decided to overprint the existing Indian banknotes with the phrase "Legal Tender in Burma Only." This overprint was applied to 5, 10, and 100 Rupee notes.

It is important to note that despite mentions in some catalogs and references, 1000 Rupee notes with similar overprints were never officially issued. All known examples of 1000 Rupee notes with such overprints are contemporary forgeries, identifiable by their crude red stamps. A 20x magnification will show that the crude red stamps differ from the overprint that was officially used.

Overprint Types

The first issue or initial overprints were in black, with the text "LEGAL TENDER IN BURMA ONLY" printed on both the front and back of the notes. On the 5 Rupees and 10 Rupees notes, the front overprint is located below the denomination. For the 100 Rupees note, the front overprint is placed below the issuing circle "Rangoon." On the back, the overprint for the 5 Rupees and 100 Rupees notes is positioned at the lower center, while for the 10 Rupees note, it is at the upper center.

Because these overprints were placed within the intricate design of the notes, they were difficult to read. This issue prompted the release of a second type of overprint in a more noticeable color.

To address the readability issues, a second type of overprint was introduced. These were printed in red and placed in the top margin of the notes on both front and back. This made the overprint much easier to notice and distinguish the Burma overprint notes from the Indian notes without overprint.

5 Rupee Burma Overprint Banknote

Issuer: Government of India
Printer: India Security Press
Size: 127 x 73 mm
Color: Brown, violet, orange and green
Obverse Design: King George V facing left
Reverse Design: Language panel (the Burmese language is on the 4th line)
Date: No Date
Signature: J.W. Kelly
Material: Paper
Watermark: Star of India and 5 GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

Black Overprint Banknote (Variety 1)

Overprint Text: LEGAL TENDER IN BURMA ONLY in black color at front center and lower back
Prefix: S/88 200001 - 1000000, S/89, S/90
Catalog Number: Banknote Book B101a; Pick 1b

Red Overprint Banknote (Variety 2)

Overprint Text: LEGAL TENDER IN BURMA ONLY in red color at upper margin front and back
Prefix: T/18, T/19, T/20, T/21, T/22
Catalog Number: Banknote Book B101b; Pick 1a

Note: Standard World Paper Money Pick catalog had the numbering order of the varieties reversed

10 Rupee Burma Overprint Banknote

Issuer: Government of India
Printer: India Security Press
Size: 133 x 79 mm
Color: Blue and olive green
Obverse Design: Palm tree, King George V facing left
Reverse Design: Language panel (the Burmese language on the 4th line); Elephants with mahouts
Date: No Date
Signature: J.W. Kelly
Material: Paper
Watermark: King George V and TEN RUPEES GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

Black Overprint Banknote (Variety 1)

Overprint Text: LEGAL TENDER IN BURMA ONLY in black color at front center and upper back
Prefix: R/42, R/43, R/44, R/45, R/46, R/47, R/48, R/49
Catalog Number: Banknote Book B102a; Pick 2b

Red Overprint Banknote (Variety 2)

Overprint Text: LEGAL TENDER IN BURMA ONLY in red color at upper margin front and back
Prefix: R/82, R/83, R/84, R/85, R/86, R/87, R/88, R/89
Catalog Number: Banknote Book B102b; Pick 2a

Note: Standard World Paper Money Pick catalog had the numbering order of the varieties reversed

100 Rupee Burma Overprint Banknote

Issuer: Government of India
Printer: India Security Press
Size: 172 x 108 mm
Color: Violet and green
Obverse Design: King George V facing left
Reverse Design: Language panel (the Burmese language is on the 4th line)
Date: No Date
Signature: J.W. Kelly
Material: Paper
Watermark: King George V and GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

Black Overprint Banknote (Variety 1)

Overprint Text: LEGAL TENDER IN BURMA ONLY in black color at front center and lower back
Prefix: T/32 700001 - 1000000, T/41 000001 - 100000
Catalog Number: Banknote Book B103a; Pick 3b

Red Overprint Banknote (Variety 2)

Overprint Text: LEGAL TENDER IN BURMA ONLY in red color at upper margin front and back
Prefix: T/41 100001 - 1000000, T/47 000001 - 606000
Catalog Number: Banknote Book B103b; Pick 3a

Note: The Standard World Paper Money catalog or the Pick catalog had the numbering order of the varieties reversed

Also, as mentioned above, there are no 1000 Rupee banknotes that were officially overprinted by the British authorities. So far, all forgeries seen are contemporary overprint forgeries.

Overprint Forgeries

The introduction of overprinted banknotes in Burma inevitably led to the emergence of forgeries. These forgeries can be broadly classified into two categories: contemporary forgeries and modern forgeries. Understanding the characteristics and motivations behind these forgeries is crucial for collectors and historians alike.

Contemporary Forgeries

Contemporary forgeries refer to the counterfeit notes produced during the period when the overprinted notes were in circulation. These forgeries were created to deceive the general public and authorities, enabling their creators to use them as legal tender within Burma. Based on inquiries with individuals who lived in Burma during that era, it is evident that these forgeries did exist. The primary goal of these counterfeiters was to produce notes that closely resembled genuine overprints, ensuring they could be accepted in everyday transactions without arousing suspicion.

One notable aspect of contemporary forgeries is their craftsmanship. While some forgeries were crude and easily distinguishable from genuine notes, others were quite sophisticated. Counterfeiters employed various techniques to replicate the overprint, including using similar fonts and ink colors. However, despite their efforts, differences in the sharpness and alignment of the overprint often betrayed the counterfeit nature of these notes.

Modern Forgeries

Unlike contemporary forgeries, which were created for immediate use, modern forgeries are primarily produced to exploit the lucrative collectors' market. During the 1980s and early 1990s, when Indian paper money was not as popular as they are today, the value of King George V Burma 5 Rupees and 10 Rupees overprinted banknotes were worth at least 20 times of the non-overprinted banknotes. Such significantly higher prices of Burma overprinted notes made them an attractive target for counterfeiters. Also, during those periods, there were not many known pieces of literature that listed the prefix range of the actual overprint notes.

Modern forgeries are often created using more modern techniques than contemporary forgeries, including inkjet printers. There are modern forgeries that are easily noticeable. Some use techniques that allow for the production of highly detailed and convincing replicas of genuine overprinted notes. However, the sharpness and precision of the overprint are often not up to the standards of genuine notes, and inconsistencies in the font can also be indicative of a forgery.

Distinguishing Genuine Notes from Forgeries

One of the simplest and most effective ways to distinguish genuine Burma overprint notes from forgeries is by referring to the known prefix lists. Each denomination and overprint type has specific prefixes associated with genuine notes. Comparing the prefix of a suspected forgery with the lists, mentioned above, can quickly reveal whether the note is authentic or not. Furthermore, examining the overall quality of the overprint, including its sharpness, alignment, and color, can provide additional clues. Additionally, acquiring notes from reputable dealers and conducting thorough examinations using magnification and other tools can help collectors avoid purchasing forgeries.

Conclusion

The banknotes of Burma featuring King George V with the "Legal Tender in Burma Only" overprint represent a fascinating period in the region's monetary history. The transition from being a part of British India to an autonomous entity necessitated the creation of a distinct currency system, leading to the provisional overprinting of existing Indian banknotes.

These notes not only served a practical purpose during a transitional period but also hold significant historical and numismatic value today. As we reflect on these historical artifacts, we gain a deeper understanding of the economic and political changes that shaped Burma's path toward monetary independence and its first non-provisional issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why were King George V banknotes overprinted "Legal Tender in Burma Only"?

A: Following Burma's separation from British India in 1937, existing King George V Indian banknotes were overprinted with "Legal Tender in Burma Only." This provisional measure distinguished them for exclusive use within Burma, facilitating a smooth transition to its own currency system while new designs were prepared.

Q: What denominations of King George V notes were officially overprinted for Burma, and in what colors?

A: The British authorities officially overprinted 5, 10, and 100 Rupee King George V notes with the phrase "Legal Tender in Burma Only." These overprints appeared in two colors: an initial black overprint and a later, more prominent red overprint.

Q: Were 1000 Rupee King George V notes also officially overprinted for Burma?

A: No, 1000 Rupee King George V notes with the "Legal Tender in Burma Only" overprint were never officially issued by the British authorities. Any such notes found are known to be contemporary forgeries, often identifiable by their crude red stamps.

Q: What are the two main types of overprints found on these Burma banknotes?

A: There were two types of overprints: the initial black overprint, placed below the denomination (or "Rangoon" circle on 100 Rupees) at the front and lower/upper center on the back. Due to readability issues, a second red overprint was introduced, placed prominently in the top margin of both the front and back of the notes.

Q: How can collectors distinguish genuine Burma overprint notes from forgeries?

A: To identify genuine notes, collectors should primarily refer to known prefix lists associated with officially overprinted denominations. Additionally, examining the sharpness, alignment, and color (whether black or red) of the overprint under magnification can reveal differences, as forgeries often have crude or inconsistent overprints compared to official issues.