The Haj rupee was introduced under the Reserve Bank of India (Amendment) Act 1959 and consist of the signature of HVR Iyengar. The Indian Government issued these notes for the use of the Haj Pilgrims from India in Saudi Arabia. These notes were issued in denominations of Rupees Ten and Hundred and had the word HAJ inscribed on the obverse.
The obverse of this note illustrates a legend on top ‘RESERVE BANK / OF INDIA’ with ‘GUARANTEED BY THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT’ below it. The signature of the Governor printed below the ‘THE RESERVE BANK OF INDIA’. The denomination ‘TEN RUPEES’ and ‘DUS RUPAYE’ in Hindi in central denomination panel. The serial number can be seen below the Ashoka Pillar and Watermark window. The denomination 10 is printed in top corners.
The security thread in right half and multicolor tint on borders. 'Haj' on either side of RESERVE BANK OF INDIA. The text "I PROMISE TO PAY THE BEARER ON DEMAND THE SUM OF TEN RUPEES AT THE OFFICE ISSUE AT BOMBAY’ on top.
As the notes fell out of use, not many specimens have survived. The ones that have, are now very valuable. From the latest auction conducted by Todywalla Auctions this rare specimen was bided for INR 7, 00,000 to 8, 00,000.
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