Extreme Banknotes
Ceylon 25 Cents 1942 P-44a F
Ceylon 25 Cents 1942 P-44a F
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🧠 Historical & Numismatic Significance
This 25 Cents banknote was issued by the Government of Ceylon during World War II, a period when Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) was a British crown colony. Wartime shortages of metal led to the issuance of fractional paper currency to supplement small change traditionally made from coins.
The note’s design reflects its era and authority: the obverse features a portrait of King George VI, underlining Ceylon’s status within the British Empire at the time, and carries official legal-tender wording in English, Sinhala, and Tamil.
Although part of general circulation when issued, this variety is now demonetized and prized by collectors for its wartime context and colonial heritage.
🎨 Design Details
Obverse:
Central portrait of King George VI
Text reads: “THE GOVERNMENT OF CEYLON… THIS NOTE IS LEGAL TENDER FOR THE PAYMENT OF AN AMOUNT NOT EXCEEDING FIVE RUPEES TWENTY FIVE CENTS” in three languages (English, Sinhala, Tamil)
Reverse:
Minimalistic design bearing the serial number only
The multi-lingual lettering and iconic monarch portrait make this note a window into colonial fiscal history and Sri Lanka’s multicultural heritage.
📚 Educational Notes
Colonial Monetary History: This note exemplifies British colonial monetary practices in Asia and how global conflict influenced currency design and supply.
Fractional Currency: Fractional denominations like this 25 Cents note were practical responses to coin shortages during WWII.
Multilingual Script: The trilingual inscriptions reflect Ceylon’s linguistic diversity and administrative policy under British rule.
🛍️ Summary
This Ceylon 25 Cents 1942 P-44a banknote offers more than nominal value — it’s a tangible paper artifact from World War II, embodying colonial history, emergency currency issuance, and cultural context. An excellent addition for collectors of British Commonwealth notes, South Asian history buffs, or educators exploring wartime economics.
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Serial Number Disclaimer
Actual serial numbers on banknotes vary from piece to piece. The serial shown in product photos may not match the banknote you receive, but all items are guaranteed authentic and graded as described.
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CONDITION GUIDE
Gem Uncirculated
A note that is flawless, with the same freshness, crispness and bright color as when first printed. It
must be perfectly centered, with full margins, and free of any marks, blemishes or traces of handling.
About Uncirculated
A bright, crisp note that appears new but upon close examination shows a trace of very light use, such as a corner fold or faint crease. 'About Uncirculated' is a borderline condition, applied to a note which may not be quite uncirculated, but yet is obviously better than an average Extra Fine note. Such notes command a price only slightly below a new note and are highly desirable.
Extra Fine
A note that shows some faint evidence of circulation, although it will still be bright and retain nearly full crispness. It may have two or three minor folds or creases but no tears or stains and no discolorations.
Very Fine
A note that has been in circulation, but not actively or for long. It still retains some crispness and is still choice enough in its condition to be altogether desirable. It may show folds or creases, or some light smudges from the hands of a past generation. Sometimes, Very Fine notes are the best available in certain rare issues, and they should accordingly be cherished just as much as uncirculated notes.
Fine
A fine note shows evidence of much more circulation, has lost its crispness and very fine detail, and creases are more pronounced, although the note is still not seriously soiled or stained.
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