A Wartime Treasure of the Indian Ocean

Own a piece of colonial history with this authentic 1943 Ten Rupees note from Ceylon (modern-day Sri Lanka). Issued by the Government of Ceylon during the height of the Second World War, this note is a favorite among collectors for its vibrant purple and blue hues and its depiction of one of the world's most sacred Buddhist sites.

Historic & Design Highlights:

• Obverse (Front): Features a sharp, left-facing portrait of King George VI (1895–1952) in formal military attire. The text is presented in English, Sinhala, and Tamil, reflecting the island's diverse heritage.

• Reverse (Back): Showcases a detailed engraving of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa) in Kandy. This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the most important religious shrines in the Buddhist world.

• The "J/15" Prefix: This specific prefix helps specialists identify the printing run and period of issue within the wartime series.

• Printer: Produced by the renowned security printers, Thomas De La Rue & Company, Limited, London.

Item Details:

• Issuer: Government of Ceylon.

• Denomination: Ten Rupees.

• Date: 4th August 1943.

• Serial Number: J/15 984672.

• Condition: Fine / Very Fine (Circulated) – This note shows signs of honest circulation consistent with its 80+ year age. It features typical vertical and horizontal folds, original paper body with some natural softening, and slight corner wear. The colors remain impressively bright and the engravings are clear and legible.

Collector's Perspective: Wartime Ceylon notes are highly collectible due to their historical context. Many were carried by British and Allied servicemen stationed on the island. Finding a 10 Rupee note—a higher denomination for the period—with such intact color and no major damage is an excellent opportunity for "World War II" or "British Commonwealth" specialists.

You will receive what you see in the photos