Step into a fascinating moment in history with the upcoming auction of rare Indian banknotes salvaged from a 1918 shipwreck. Noonans Mayfair auction house in London will showcase these extraordinary 10-rupee notes, recovered from the ill-fated SS Shirala, during their World Banknotes sale next week.
The SS Shirala met its tragic end on July 2, 1918, when a German U-boat sank the vessel as it voyaged from Bombay to London. Amidst the chaos, bundles of 10-rupee banknotes, dated May 25, 1918, floated away, surviving the wreck. These rare notes are now expected to fetch between GBP 2,000 and 2,600.
Thomasina Smith, Worldwide Head of Numismatics at Noonans, shared insights on these historical pieces: “Whole blocks of these notes, along with provisions ranging from marmalade to ammunition, were lost when the boat sank. Many notes floated to shore, but most were destroyed by authorities. Only a few remained in private hands.”
The well-preserved condition of these notes is a testament to their historical significance. “They must have been in the middle of a tightly bound bundle, so didn’t make contact with the sea. It’s also wonderful that they bear consecutive serial numbers,” Smith added.
Another highlight of the auction includes a rare 100-rupee note from the British colonial era, dated between 1917 and 1930, and estimated to sell for GBP 4,400 to 5,000. This note is signed and stamped from Calcutta and features 100 rupees spelled out in various Indian languages, including Hindi and Bengali.
Additionally, a “Reserve Bank of India, Persian Gulf Issue,” 5-rupee note from 1957-62, showcasing the iconic Ashoka emblem, is set to fetch GBP 2,200 to 2,800.
This auction offers a rare opportunity for collectors and history enthusiasts to own a piece of the past. The extraordinary preservation and historical value of these notes make them truly remarkable collectibles.
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