1 rupee 1935

Common. The 1935 One Rupee note (Pick 14a) was part of the regular Government of India currency issue and was produced in substantial quantities during its year of issue. eBay pricing data shows F (Fine) grade examples selling for $39-$102 range (2012-2020), with VF at $74.88, and catalog values for VG at $35 and UNC at $325. These moderate price points across multiple sales indicate a well-known note with regular market availability. AU-graded examples fall within the expected value progression and show no evidence of scarcity. The note was not recalled, was issued in both perforated and non-perforated varieties, and no production run constraints are documented.

Issued during the final years of the British Raj, this 1935 note bears the portrait of King George V, who reigned as Emperor of India until his death in January 1936, making this one of the final rupee notes issued under his authority. The multi-script inscriptions in Hindi (Devanagari), Telugu, Kannada, and Tamil reflect the Government of India's effort to create currency acceptable across the diverse linguistic regions of the subcontinent during the late colonial period. The note's design exemplifies the formal, security-conscious engraving standards of the Currency Note Press during the 1930s.

The obverse features King George V in left-facing profile within a crowned oval medallion positioned at right, wearing formal regalia typical of Commonwealth currency iconography. The denomination '1' appears in large ornate numerals on the left with elaborate borders incorporating floral and geometric motifs. Multi-script text blocks frame the central 'ONE RUPEE' denomination. The reverse displays a prominent circular seal or medallion design—likely representing the heraldic reverse of a coin motif, consistent with catalog references—rendered in intricate line engraving with geometric and floral patterns. The color palette transitions between the front's green-teal tones and the reverse's predominantly gray and black treatment. Serial number 03A 700418 is positioned in the lower right of the reverse.

FRONT: 'GOVERNMENT OF INDIA' (English); 'ONE RUPEE' (English); 'एक रुपया' (Hindi/Devanagari: One Rupee); 'ఒక రూపాయి' (Telugu: One Rupee); 'ಒಂದು ರೂಪಾಯಿ' (Kannada: One Rupee); 'ஒரு ரூபாய்' (Tamil: One Rupee); 'L.W. Kelle' (signature of Controller); 'CONTROLLER OF THE CURRENCY' (English). BACK: 'ONE RUPEE INDIA 1935' (English); '03A 700418' (Serial Number).

Intaglio/engraving process, characteristic of high-security banknote production of the era. The fine line patterns, detailed portraiture, and intricate decorative borders visible throughout both sides indicate traditional steel-plate engraving methods employed by the Currency Note Press, Government of India. The crisp, detailed rendering of the portrait and security patterns confirms the use of skilled engravers and high-pressure printing technology standard for this issue period.

This specimen (serial 03A 700418) represents the standard non-perforated variety of Pick 14a. The catalog notes the existence of perforated variants issued in booklets of 25 notes, which command slightly different pricing but remain common. The 'L.W. Kelle' signature indicates the Currency Controller during the 1935 issuance period. No rare date varieties, signature combinations, or over-print variations are documented for this Pick number that would elevate rarity.