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Auction: 403 - World Banknotes at NY INC
Lot: 345

Bank of Western India, India, [Discovery Note] [Top Pop] Front Proof 100 Rupees, Bombay, ND (ca. 1940s),
This lot features an extraordinary and historic discovery: a 100 Rupees note from the Bank of Western India, the first known example of this denomination ever to be offered at auction. To the best of our knowledge, this note has never been publicly seen or previously offered, and no known collection, personal or institutional, contains it. Its appearance marks an unprecedented and remarkable addition to Indian numismatic history.

Founded in 1842 in Bombay, the Bank of Western India was one of the earliest and most influential financial institutions in the region. It played a pivotal role in shaping India’s financial system during a period of rapid economic growth and industrialisation, issuing some of the country’s first paper currencies. Though it operated under its original name for only a short time before merging into the Oriental Bank Corporation in 1851, the bank’s impact on the history of Indian banking remains indelible.

Today, only a handful of notes from the Bank of Western India are known to exist, including denominations such as 5 Rupees, 50 Rupees, and 5,000 Rupees. This 100 Rupees note is one of the very few surviving examples from this historic institution, making it a significant milestone in Indian numismatics. The issuance of paper currency by the Bank of Western India in the mid-19th century marked a transformative shift in the region’s financial landscape. While coins continued to serve as a primary medium of exchange, paper money provided a standardised, convenient, and innovative solution, well-suited to the growing demands of trade and commerce.

The discovery of this 100 Rupees note presents an unmatched opportunity to acquire an exceptional and historically important piece of India’s numismatic legacy. With its rarity beyond compare and the considerable value it is poised to command, this note is set to become a defining highlight of any collection. More than just a note, it is a treasure that will captivate even the most discerning collectors. In all likelihood, it will emerge as one of the most cherished pieces—or perhaps even the centerpiece—of its new home. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to secure a piece of numismatic history that will forever stand apart.
(Pick Unlisted), in PMG holder 63 Choice Uncirculated, printer´s annotation, previously mounted, the Single Finest graded example for the type on PMG Census

Estimate
$10,000 to $15,000

Starting price
$7000