5rupees 1957
About This Note
This is a 1957 Reserve Bank of India 5 Rupees banknote in uncirculated condition, featuring the iconic Lion Capital of Ashoka on the obverse and Indian wildlife imagery (tigers and deer) on the reverse. The note displays vibrant orange/coral coloring with intricate engraving work and bilingual text in English and Hindi, representing India's early post-independence currency design. The sharp printing, absence of wear, and bright paper condition make this an attractive example of India's first-series rupee notes.
Common. The 5 Rupees denomination from 1957 was issued in substantial quantities as part of India's early post-independence currency circulation. There are no recorded print run restrictions, short issuance periods, or recalls that would elevate this note's rarity. In UNC condition, while desirable to collectors, this remains a readily available note in the market.
Issued in 1957, this banknote represents the Reserve Bank of India's early post-independence currency during India's formative years as a republic (independence in 1947). The prominent Lion Capital of Ashoka emblem on the obverse connects to ancient Indian symbolism and was adopted as India's national emblem, reflecting the new nation's pride in its civilizational heritage. The reverse's depiction of Indian wildlife (tigers and deer in their natural habitat) emphasizes the country's biodiversity and cultural identity during this period of nation-building.
The obverse features the Lion Capital of Ashoka (Sarnath) as the central symbol—a three-lion pedestal emblem representing sovereignty and Buddhist heritage. A large blank white space on the left side is designated for the watermark area. The reverse displays a naturalistic scene with Indian wildlife including a tiger and deer in a landscape with trees, symbolizing India's fauna and ecological richness. Both sides employ ornate decorative borders with fine geometric and floral patterns typical of mid-20th century Indian banknote design. The bilingual presentation in English and Devanagari Hindi script reflects post-independence India's commitment to linguistic pluralism.
FRONT SIDE: 'GUARANTEED BY THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT' / 'RESERVE BANK OF INDIA' / 'I PROMISE TO PAY THE BEARER ON DEMAND THE SUM OF' / 'FIVE RUPEES' (English) and 'पाँच रुपये' (Hindi: Five Rupees) / 'AT THE OFFICE OF ISSUE AT BOMBAY' / 'FOR THE RESERVE BANK OF INDIA' / 'GOVERNOR' / Serial number: Z 739700. REVERSE SIDE: 'RESERVE BANK OF INDIA' (English) and 'भारतीय रिजर्व बैंक' (Hindi: Reserve Bank of India) / Denomination numeral '5' / 'INDIA'.
Intaglio engraving (line engraving), evidenced by the fine line work, intricate border details, and varying line densities visible throughout both sides. The printing shows the sharp definition and depth characteristic of high-quality intaglio work. The note was likely produced by the Security Printing Press, India, which handled RBI currency production during this period.
Serial number prefix 'Z' with number 739700 is noted. The Bombay office of issue marking is standard for this series. Signature variety would depend on the Governor's tenure (typically K.R. Puri served 1954-1957, followed by H.V.R. Iengar). The specific signature present would help pinpoint the exact variety within the 1957 issue, but this detail would require closer examination of the Governor's signature area.
