1 picul 1942

Rare. This note is Pick-unlisted, indicating it may not have been catalogued in standard references, which alone suggests limited circulation or documentation. As a wartime commodity control coupon issued during the Japanese occupation of Sarawak (1942), the print run was likely limited to administrative needs. The specific expiration date of 31 March 1942 suggests a short-lived validity period. AU condition examples of unlisteted wartime colonial coupons are seldom encountered in the numismatic market, making this a scarce find for serious collectors of Sarawak currency and wartime emergency money.

This coupon was issued by the Sarawak colonial administration in 1942, during the Japanese occupation of the region, as a control mechanism for rubber exports—a critical strategic commodity. The presence of the 'Acting Controller of Rubber' signature and the 31 March 1942 expiration date indicate this was part of wartime economic management. The note's trilingual text (English, Chinese, and Jawi) reflects Sarawak's diverse population and the British colonial bureaucracy's attempt to maintain administrative control over rubber production during a period of significant political upheaval.

The coupon features symmetrical ornate engraving throughout both sides with sophisticated security printing. The front displays a large circular blank medallion area on the left, reserved presumably for a seal or stamp, with the denomination '1' positioned prominently in the top corners. The reverse side showcases three heraldic coat of arms emblems arranged vertically—one at top center and two at bottom corners—each featuring shield designs with crosses and floral heraldic elements. A central white star surrounded by decorative circular frames and ornamental borders dominates the reverse design. The border work consists of intricate geometric and floral patterns in blue and green/turquoise inks on a cream-colored paper stock, with additional blank rectangular and medallion areas reserved for official stamps or signatures.

FRONT SIDE: 'SARAWAK' (country name); 'P477928' (serial number); 'THIS COUPON IS VALID FOR THE EXPORT OF ONE PICUL OF DRY RUBBER' (primary purpose statement); '臺捲' (Chinese characters, likely indicating 'coupon' or 'warrant'); Arabic/Jawi script (additional authentication text); 'UNTIL 31ST MARCH 1942' (expiration date); 'ACTING CONTROLLER OF RUBBER' (issuing authority); 'DESIGNED & PRINTED BY THE SURVEY DEPT. F.M.S.' (printer attribution to Federated Malay States Survey Department). BACK SIDE: 'DESIGNED & PRINTED BY THE SURVEY DEPT. F.M.S.' (printer attribution repeated).

Intaglio engraving (line engraving), as evidenced by the fine detail work, intricate borders, decorative scrollwork, and complex geometric patterns visible in both the visual analysis and the professional quality of the heraldic designs. Printed by the Survey Department of the Federated Malay States, using traditional security printing methods typical of British colonial administration. The multi-color engraving (blue, green/turquoise, and black on cream stock) indicates skilled application of separate engraved plates.

Serial number P477928 is visible on the obverse. The specific date 'UNTIL 31ST MARCH 1942' may indicate this is from a single printing run with that expiration date. As an unlisted Pick item, no standard varieties have been catalogued; however, collectors should note that different serial number prefixes or variations in the heraldic emblems on the reverse may exist. The attribution to 'ACTING CONTROLLER OF RUBBER' (rather than a named individual signatory) suggests wartime administrative protocol changes. Further research into multiple examples of this coupon may reveal additional varieties based on serial number ranges or minor design variations.