Catalog
1000 Rupees Bombay
| Issuer | Government of India |
|---|---|
| Year | 1909-1927 |
| Type | Standard circulation banknote |
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| Obverse description | The obverse is printed in letterpress with the denomination ONE THOUSAND RUPEES rendered in four languages across the top register, flanked on both sides by vertical columnar panels bearing the numeral 1000 repeated in four scripts. Four serial numbers are placed near each corner of the note, with a signature appearing at the lower centre. |
|---|---|
| Obverse lettering | GOVERNMENT OF INDIA 1000 RUPEES Promise to pay the Bearer ON DEMAND the sum of ONE THOUSAND Rupees |
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| Comments |
Government of India currency notes of this denomination were issued under the Paper Currency Act of 1861, which centralized note issue away from the presidency banks. The 1000 Rupee denomination was never intended for retail circulation — at a time when a government clerk might earn 15–20 rupees a month, these moved between merchants, shroffs, and treasury offices rather than through ordinary hands.
The Bombay circle designation restricted encashment to that presidency's currency offices, a system designed to control inter-regional arbitrage. Notes presented outside their designated circle required special endorsement, which is why examples with manuscript annotations on the reverse turn up occasionally.
High-denomination Government of India notes from this period were systematically destroyed upon return to the currency offices, making survivors genuinely uncommon regardless of condition.