1 rupee 1935

Common. This is a standard Government of Ceylon one rupee note from the 1935 issue, representing a substantial print run necessary for general circulation currency. No historical evidence suggests limited production, early withdrawal, or recall. The VF condition grade is typical for circulated examples from this period that have survived to the present day. Similar notes trade regularly in the numismatic market at modest premiums reflecting age and condition rather than scarcity.

Issued on 26 June 1935 by the Government of Ceylon under the Commissioners of Currency, this banknote reflects Ceylon's (modern Sri Lanka) establishment of its own currency authority following increasing self-governance within the British Empire. The formal language of monetary obligation ('Promises to pay the Bearer on Demand') and the prominent English/Sinhala bilingual presentation demonstrate the colonial administrative structure while acknowledging the island's indigenous population. The note's ornate, geometric Art Deco styling was characteristic of high-security banknote design during this era, emphasizing both aesthetic appeal and anti-counterfeiting measures.

The obverse features a formal layout emphasizing the authority statement and denomination, with ornate floral rosette patterns and fan-like decorative motifs framing the central rectangular denomination panel. No portraits are depicted, consistent with Commonwealth banknote conventions of the period. The reverse presents a symmetrically designed ornamental composition centered on an eight-pointed star geometric pattern within an elaborate lobed medallion frame, surrounded by repeating circular rosette motifs forming an decorative border. The design employs fine line engraving with intricate guilloche background patterns serving dual purposes of aesthetic refinement and security enhancement. The color scheme of blue and green on cream background was typical of Ceylon's currency of this era.

FRONT SIDE: 'THE GOVERNMENT OF CEYLON' / 'Promises to pay the Bearer on Demand the Sum of' / 'ONE RUPEE' / 'Colombo, 26th June 1935' / 'FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF CEYLON' / 'COMMISSIONERS OF CURRENCY' / 'THOS. DE LA RUE & CO LTD LONDON' / Serial Number: N/12 73898 / Sinhala text: 'ඉතිරු' (One) / 'ගිණුම්' (Note/Account). BACK SIDE: 'ONE RUPEE' (repeated on left and right sides). The bilingual presentation reflects the official status of both English and Sinhala in Ceylon's government administration.

Intaglio (engraved) printing, executed by Thomas De La Rue & Company Limited of London, the world's leading security printer of the period. The fine line engraving, intricate guilloche patterns, and precision of the decorative elements visible throughout both sides are characteristic signatures of De La Rue's premium banknote production. The layered, detailed security patterns indicate multiple printing passes and careful registration, reflecting the state-of-the-art anti-counterfeiting technology available in 1935.

This specific specimen is identified as Pick P-16b with serial number N/12 73898, dated 26 June 1935. The 'N/12' serial prefix indicates the particular printing batch. Pick's catalog designates the 1935 one rupee with 26 June date as variety 16b, distinguishing it from other date variants within this denomination and issuing period. No significant overprints or special markings are evident on this example.