Question 1

What are Burma Peacock banknotes?

Accepted Answer

Burma Peacock banknotes are paper currency issued by the Reserve Bank of India between 1938 and 1939 for circulation in British Burma, featuring King George VI and distinctive Burmese motifs such as peacocks, elephants, and river scenes.

Question 2

Why did the Reserve Bank of India issue banknotes for Burma?

Accepted Answer

After Burma separated from British India in 1937, the RBI was legally mandated under the India and Burma (Burma Monetary Arrangements) Order, 1937 to manage Burma's currency on an interim basis until a separate monetary system was established.

Question 3

Which denominations were issued in the Burma Peacock series?

Accepted Answer

The series consisted of five denominations: 5, 10, 100, 1000, and 10,000 Rupees. No other denominations were issued, and no 1 Rupee or 2 Rupee note exists in this series.

Question 4

Did Burma Peacock banknotes have multiple signatures or varieties?

Accepted Answer

No. All denominations carry a single signature (J. B. Taylor) and have no recognised design or signature varieties, since the entire series was completed before the war disrupted further production.

Question 5

How does the Burma Peacock series differ from the earlier King George V Burma overprint notes?

Accepted Answer

The King George V overprints were existing Indian banknotes stamped "LEGAL TENDER IN BURMA ONLY" as a temporary stopgap measure. The King George VI Peacock series, by contrast, was purpose-designed from the outset with distinctly Burmese imagery and was never adapted from standard Indian note stock.

Question 6

Were Burma Peacock banknotes used after World War II?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Surviving notes remained legal tender temporarily after the war, but the 1000 and 10,000 Rupee denominations were demonetised in May 1945, and the remaining 5, 10, and 100 Rupee notes were demonetised in June 1950.

Question 7

Why are Burma Peacock banknotes considered rare?

Accepted Answer

KGVI Burma peacock banknotes were printed for a short period, issued in limited prefix ranges, and suffered heavy losses due to the Japanese invasion of Burma during World War II. Combined low print volume and wartime destruction make all five denominations scarce, even in circulated grades.

British Burma

RBI Burma Peacock Banknotes (1938–1939): King George VI Series Guide

100 Rupee Quarter Cut Note: British Burma King George V Banknote

British India 1 Rupee Note: History, Varieties & Prefixes

Indian KGV Burma Overprint Banknotes: 5, 10 & 100 Rupees