Union Bank of Burma Banknotes: Rupee & Kyat Issues

Explore Union Bank of Burma Banknotes: Rupee & Kyat Issues, key to understanding Burma's post-independence monetary evolution. These pivotal Union Bank of Burma Banknotes, comprising 1952 Rupee and subsequent Kyat issues in 1, 5, 10, and 100 denominations, illustrate the nation's evolving currency system. Following our deep dive into the Government of Burma banknotes and their historical significance, this article shifts focus to these crucial series, highlighting their role in the early years of independence.

Union Bank of Burma Act, 1952

The Union Bank of Burma was initially established on 3 February 1948, under the Union Bank of Burma Act of 1947. The bank assumed the central banking functions previously managed by the Rangoon branch of the Reserve Bank of India. However, despite this establishment, the issuance of currency remained under the control of the Burma Currency Board, under the Currency and Coinage Act of 1946.

On 17 March 1952, the Burmese Parliament enacted the Union Bank of Burma Act, 1952 (Act No. IX of 1952). The Act, which came into force on

1 July 1952, sought to unify central banking operations and currency issuance by dissolving the Burma Currency Board and transferring its powers and duties to the Union Bank of Burma, albeit with certain modifications. This legislative change effectively repealed the Union Bank of Burma Act, 1947, and several provisions of the Currency and Coinage Act, 1946.

One of the critical changes introduced by the 1952 act was the vesting of powers, duties, and functions in a Board of Directors. This board was mandated to be composed of six Directors who shall be citizens of the Union of Burma. This provision underscored the nationalistic approach of the Burmese government in establishing a banking system that reflected the country's independence and sovereignty. The main figures of the Bank are U San Lin, the general manager, and U Tin Tin, the deputy general manager.

Under the new act, the Union Bank of Burma was granted the sole right to issue banknotes and coins in the Union of Burma. From 1 July 1952, the Burma Currency Board was no longer authorized to issue any currency. By centralizing currency issuance and other central banking functions under the Union Bank of Burma, the Burmese government sought to create a more cohesive and autonomous financial system.

Union Bank of Burma Rupee Banknote

The Union Bank of Burma Rupee Issue, introduced in January 1953, featured four denominations: 1 Rupee, 5 Rupee, 10 Rupee, and 100 Rupee, mirroring the structure of the first issue. The prefix system used is also identical to the first issue. The design of these banknotes remained largely similar to the initial post-independence issue, with only a few minor modifications.

Title on the Banknotes

The most notable change is the title of the banknotes or the issuer of the banknotes. The title on the banknotes, which now read "Union Bank of Burma" as the issuer, replaced the previous titles of "Government of Burma" or "Government of the Union of Burma."

Signature on the Banknotes

The first issue featured two signatures on the banknotes, but the second issue included only one signature. The new signature was that of U San Lin, who served as the General Manager or Managing Director of the Union Bank of Burma.

Removal of English Text on the Obverse

While the previous 1 Rupee and 5 Rupee notes displayed the printer's name in English on the obverse, this detail was removed in the second issue. Additionally, the date "RANGOON 1st January 1948," which appeared below the serial number on the 100 Rupee note in the previous issue, was also omitted. Such changes resulted in no English text on the obverse of any denomination.

1 Rupee Union Bank of Burma Note

The obverse design predominantly features a peacock. At the top of the front side, the issuer's name is prominently displayed in Burmese as “pyidaung zu myanma naing ngan daw ban” meaning the Union Bank of Burma. Directly below this, the legal tender statement declares the note's value as "one silver coin" in Burmese. Unlike the previous issue, the printer's name is not shown.

On the reverse side, the issuer's name "UNION BANK OF BURMA" and the denomination "ONE RUPEE" are presented in English. The main illustration on the reverse is the sailing boats with a mountain range in the background.

Denomination: 1 Rupee
Issuer: Union Bank of Burma
Size: 108 x 66 mm
Color: Gray, green, and pink
Obverse Design: Peacock
Reverse Design: Sailing boats
Date: None
Signature: U San Lin
Material: Paper
Watermark: Peacock
Printer: Thomas De La Rue
Serial number color: Red
Catalog Number: Banknote Book B801; Pick 38

5 Rupee Union Bank of Burma Note

The obverse design predominantly features a seated chinthe (mythical lion) facing left. In the top center of the border, there is a dancing peacock. At the top of the front side, the issuer's name is prominently displayed in Burmese as “pyidaung zu myanma naing ngan daw ban” meaning the Union Bank of Burma. Directly below this, the legal tender statement declares the note's value as "five silver coins" in Burmese. Unlike the previous issue, the printer's name is not shown.

On the reverse side, the denomination "FIVE RUPEES" and the issuer's name "UNION BANK OF BURMA" are presented in English. The main illustration on the reverse is a woman spinning a cotton wheel and another woman weaving a cotton loom.

Denomination: 5 Rupee
Issuer: Union Bank of Burma
Size: 126 x 73 mm
Color: Brown, blue, and yellow
Obverse Design: Peacock, seated chinthe facing left
Reverse Design: A woman spinning a cotton wheel and another woman weaving a cotton loom
Date: None
Signature: U San Lin
Material: Paper
Watermark: Peacock
Printer: Thomas De La Rue
Serial number color: Red
Catalog Number: Banknote Book B802; Pick 39

10 Rupee Union Bank of Burma Note

The obverse design predominantly features a peacock. At the top of the front side, the issuer's name is prominently displayed in Burmese as “pyidaung zu myanma naing ngan daw ban” meaning the Union Bank of Burma. Directly below this, the legal tender statement declares the note's value as "ten silver coins" in Burmese. Like the previous issue, the printer's name is not shown on the note.

On the reverse side, the issuer's name "UNION BANK OF BURMA" and the denomination "TEN RUPEES" are presented in English. The main illustration on the reverse is an elephant lifting a teak log with a trunk and mahout. In the top center of the border, there is a mythical lion.

Denomination: 10 Rupee
Issuer: Union Bank of Burma
Size: 145 x 82 mm
Color: Blue, yellow, and violet
Obverse Design: Peacock
Reverse Design: Chinthe, an elephant lifting a teak log with a trunk and mahout
Date: None
Signature: U San Lin
Material: Paper
Watermark: Peacock
Printer: Thomas De La Rue
Serial number color: Red
Catalog Number: Banknote Book B803; Pick 40

100 Rupee Union Bank of Burma Note

The obverse design predominantly features a peacock at the center and the head of a mythical lion on the right. There are also dragons displayed on the border. At the top of the front side, the issuer's name is prominently displayed in Burmese as “pyidaung zu myanma naing ngan daw ban” meaning the Union Bank of Burma. Directly below this, the legal tender statement declares the note's value as "one hundred silver coins" in Burmese.

Like the previous issue, the printer's name is not shown on the note. The previous issue has the text "RANGOON 1st January 1948" underneath the serial number. This has been omitted from this issue. Thus, removing all English text from the obverse.

On the reverse side, the issuer's name "UNION BANK OF BURMA" and the denomination "ONE HUNDRED RUPEES" are presented in English. The main illustration on the reverse is a farmer with a pair of oxen plowing a field. In the top center of the border, there is a mythical lion.

Denomination: 100 Rupee
Issuer: Union Bank of Burma
Size: 171 x 106 mm
Color: Green
Obverse Design: Peacock, head of chinthe, dragons
Reverse Design: Chinthe, a farmer with a pair of oxen plowing a field
Date: None
Signature: U San Lin
Material: Paper
Watermark: Peacock
Printer: Thomas De La Rue
Serial number color: Red
Catalog Number: Banknote Book B804; Pick 41

Union Bank of Burma Kyat Banknote

The Union Bank of Burma Act of 1952 marked the reintroduction of the Kyat as the official currency of the Union of Burma, replacing the Burma rupee. According to Section 17(1) of the act, "The Standard unit of monetary value in the Union of Burma shall be ‘KYAT,’ hitherto known as the Burma rupee." This change was a significant step in establishing Burma's economic identity post-independence. Section 17(2) of the act further detailed the division of the Kyat, specifying that "The 'KYAT' shall be divided into one hundred units each of which shall be called a PYA."

In terms of banknote denominations, Section 22 of the Union Bank of Burma Act, 1947 provided clear guidelines: "Bank notes shall be of the denominational value of one kyat, five kyats, ten kyats, and one hundred kyats, and of such other denominations as may be determined by the President of the Union on the recommendation of the Bank."

Despite these provisions, the initial banknotes issued after independence still used the denomination "Rupee" in English. This reflected a transitional period where the old currency term in English was still in use. The English denomination text was later updated to "Kyat" in the third issue of banknotes post-independence, aligning fully with the new official currency. However, it is important to note that the denomination text in Burmese remained consistent throughout this transition.

Union Bank of Burma Kyat Issue

The Union Bank of Burma Kyat Issue, also introduced in 1953, featured four denominations: 1 Kyat, 5 Kyats, 10 Kyats, and 100 Kyats. The design on the obverse, with Burmese text and aesthetic elements, remained identical to the Union Bank of Burma Rupee Issue, the second series following Burma's independence.

Denominations in English

The key difference lay in the denomination text on the reverse, which was updated from "RUPEE" or "RUPEES" to "KYAT" or "KYATS" to reflect the official reintroduction of the kyat as the nation's currency. This shift marked a significant step in solidifying the currency's identity post-independence.

Prefix on 1 Kyat Banknotes

The prefix system for this series featured a unique sequencing method where the letter advanced before the number. For instance, the sequence followed a pattern of 1A, 1B, 1C, ..., 1Z, and then proceeded to 2A, 2B, 2C, ..., 2Z. On the 1 Kyat notes, two-digit numbers appeared in front of a single letter, with prefixes like 10A, 10B, 10C, ... and continuing to numbers 11, 12, and 13 in front of the single letter.

1 Kyat Union Bank of Burma Note

The banknote retained almost all the features of the previous Union Bank of Burma Rupee issue. However, there was one notable difference in this issue: the denomination on the reverse side was changed from ONE RUPEE to ONE KYAT. This modification aligned with the official reintroduction of the Kyat as the country's standard monetary unit.

Denomination: 1 Kyat
Issuer: Union Bank of Burma
Size: 108 x 66 mm
Color: Gray, green, and pink
Obverse Design: Peacock
Reverse Design: Sailing boats
Date: None
Signature: U San Lin
Material: Paper
Watermark: Peacock
Printer: Thomas De La Rue
Serial number color: Red
Catalog Number: Banknote Book B805; Pick 42

5 Kyat Union Bank of Burma Note

The banknote retained almost all the features of the previous Union Bank of Burma Rupee issue. However, there was one notable difference in this issue: the denomination on the reverse side was changed from FIVE RUPEES to FIVE KYATS.

Denomination: 5 Kyat
Issuer: Union Bank of Burma
Size: 126 x 73 mm
Color: Brown, blue, and yellow
Obverse Design: Peacock, seated chinthe facing left
Reverse Design: A woman spinning a cotton wheel and another woman weaving a cotton loom
Date: None
Signature: U San Lin
Material: Paper
Watermark: Peacock
Printer: Thomas De La Rue
Serial number color: Red
Catalog Number: Banknote Book B806; Pick 43

10 Kyat Union Bank of Burma Note

The banknote retained almost all the features of the previous Union Bank of Burma Rupee issue. However, there was one notable difference in this issue: the denomination on the reverse side was changed from TEN RUPEES to TEN KYATS.

Denomination: 10 Kyat
Issuer: Union Bank of Burma
Size: 145 x 82 mm
Color: Blue, yellow, and violet
Obverse Design: Peacock
Reverse Design: Chinthe, an elephant lifting a teak log with a trunk and mahout
Date: None
Signature: U San Lin
Material: Paper
Watermark: Peacock
Printer: Thomas De La Rue
Serial number color: Red
Catalog Number: Banknote Book B807; Pick 44

100 Kyat Union Bank of Burma Note

The banknote retained almost all the features of the previous Union Bank of Burma Rupee issue. However, there was one notable difference in this issue: the denomination on the reverse side was changed from ONE HUNDRED RUPEES to ONE HUNDRED KYATS.

Denomination: 100 Kyat
Issuer: Union Bank of Burma
Size: 171 x 106 mm
Color: Green
Obverse Design: Peacock, head of chinthe, dragons
Reverse Design: Chinthe, a farmer with a pair of oxen plowing a field
Date: None
Signature: U San Lin
Material: Paper
Watermark: Peacock
Printer: Thomas De La Rue
Serial number color: Red
Catalog Number: Banknote Book B808; Pick 45

Conclusion

As we conclude our exploration of the Union Bank of Burma banknotes, both the Rupee issue and the Kyat issue, we can see the profound impact these banknotes had on Burma's national identity and economic independence. The Union Bank of Burma's role in this transition was crucial, as it took over central banking functions and ultimately the exclusive right to issue currency. In the next articles, we will delve into the legacy of Aung San, one of Burma's most pivotal figures. We will examine the Burmese banknotes featuring his image, exploring how his contributions to the nation's fight for independence and his enduring legacy are commemorated in Burma's currency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When was the Union Bank of Burma established, and what was its significance in currency issuance?

A: The Union Bank of Burma was initially established on February 3, 1948. Its significance for currency issuance was fully realized with the Union Bank of Burma Act, 1952, which came into force on 1 July 1952. This Act dissolved the Burma Currency Board and granted the Union Bank of Burma the sole right to issue banknotes and coins in the Union of Burma.

Q: What was the key difference between the Union Bank of Burma Rupee Issue and the previous Government of Burma banknotes?

A: The most notable difference was the issuer's title: the Rupee Issue notes prominently featured "Union Bank of Burma" as the issuer, replacing the "Government of Burma" or "Government of the Union of Burma" titles. Additionally, the Rupee Issue had only one signature (U San Lin) compared to the previous issue's two, and all English text was removed from the obverse.

Q: What denominations were common to both the Union Bank of Burma Rupee and Kyat Issues?

A: Both the Union Bank of Burma Rupee Issue and the Kyat Issue featured four common denominations: 1, 5, 10, and 100. The only change was the English denomination text on the reverse, which shifted from "Rupee/Rupees" to "Kyat/Kyats" in the Kyat Issue, while Burmese text remained consistent.

Q: What was the significance of the reintroduction of the Kyat as the official currency?

A: The reintroduction of the Kyat as the official currency, replacing the Burma rupee, was formalized by Section 17(1) of the Union Bank of Burma Act of 1952. This change was a significant step in solidifying Burma's economic identity and autonomy post-independence, aligning the currency terminology with the nation's sovereign status.

Q: Who was the signatory on the Union Bank of Burma Rupee and Kyat Issues?

A: Both the Union Bank of Burma Rupee Issue and the Kyat Issue featured a single signature: that of U San Lin, who served as the General Manager or Managing Director of the Union Bank of Burma.