10 Rupee Indian Note: During World War I, the sea routes were constantly under threat. The British India Steam Navigation Company’s ship, SS Shirala, departed from London for Bombay in May 1918. The ship was carrying everyday goods along with Indian currency. On July 2, 1918, a torpedo attack by a German U-boat sent the ship to the bottom of the sea.
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The Sunken Treasure and a Miraculous Coincidence
After the attack, most of the ship’s cargo was destroyed at sea. Alcohol, groceries, and other items disintegrated in the water, but some materials floated to the shore. Among them were two 10 rupee notes, which miraculously remained intact. It is believed that these notes were in a tightly bound bundle, protecting them from direct contact with the water.
Why These 10 Rupee Notes Were Special
These notes were issued on May 25, 1918, and did not bear the signature of any official. Printed on high-quality paper of that era, these notes still retain their original print and shape. Their most significant feature was that both notes had consecutive serial numbers, a rarity highly valued by currency collectors.
Auction Exceeds Expectations, Price Reaches Millions
On May 29, 2024, Noonans Mayfair Auction House presented these notes during their World Banknotes Sale. Initially, it was estimated that their price would be limited to a few hundred thousand rupees. However, the unique historical context surrounding these notes surpassed all expectations at the auction. The first note sold for approximately 690,000 rupees, and the second for about 580,000 rupees.
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History Determined the True Value of the Notes
The value of these notes was determined not only by their monetary value but also by the story associated with them. The war, the ship’s tragedy, and a hundred years of journey at sea make these notes a historical document. That is why today these 10-rupee notes are not just currency, but have become a rare piece of history bearing witness to the passage of time.