Paper Change: The Story Behind Ceylon’s 1947 25 & 50 Cents Banknotes

August 18, 2025

Paper Change: The Story Behind Ceylon’s 1947 25 & 50 Cents Banknotes

In the waning days of British rule, Ceylon (modern-day Sri Lanka) issued a pair of modest yet historically rich banknotes: the 25 Cents and 50 Cents notes of 1947. Though fractional in denomination, these notes carry outsized significance for collectors, marking the final chapter of colonial currency before independence in 1948.

A Currency in Transition

During World War II, global metal shortages disrupted coin production across the British Empire. In Ceylon, this led to the temporary replacement of small-denomination coins with paper notes — a practical solution that became a numismatic anomaly.

The 25 Cents note, first issued in 1942 and reprinted through 1949, was designed to replace the nickel-brass coin.

The 50 Cents note, introduced in 1947, filled a similar role for half-rupee transactions.

These notes were legal tender only for payments not exceeding five rupees, underscoring their role in everyday commerce rather than large-scale trade.

Colonial Iconography: King George VI

Both notes feature a central portrait of King George VI, a symbol of imperial authority and continuity. His image, rendered in military uniform, was a common motif across British Commonwealth currencies — but in Ceylon, it took on added weight as the island approached independence.

The trilingual inscriptions in English, Sinhala, and Tamil reflect the island’s diverse linguistic heritage and were a nod to inclusive governance, even under colonial rule.

Design & Productiont

The 25 Cents note was printed by India Security Press, with a simple uniface design and no watermark.

The 50 Cents note was produced by Thomas De La Rue, featuring a more refined layout and the Lankaloka watermark — a stylized lion emblem rooted in Sri Lankan symbolism.

Both notes were compact, utilitarian, and designed for mass circulation. Yet few survived in high grades, making EF and UNC examples highly collectible today.

Collector Appeal & Legacy

For numismatists, these notes offer:

A tangible link to Ceylon’s colonial past

Insight into wartime monetary policy

A study in design evolution from emergency issues to formal banknotes

A chance to own a piece of pre-independence history

Their modest denominations belie their historical weight. Whether you're building a British Commonwealth collection, exploring South Asian currency, or curating a WWII-era portfolio, these notes are essential touchstones.