This is a genuinely exceptional offering: a ₹10 Reserve Bank of India note classified as "D2" — the designation used by collectors for the second signature variety of the Republic of India era, signed by RBI Governor B. Rama Rau during his tenure between 1949 and 1957. D2 notes are heavily sought after by notaphilists (banknote collectors) for two distinctive features: their "Only English" text layout, using English-only denominational text rather than the multilingual panels seen on later series, and a sailing boat design on the reverse — a motif specific to this issue and distinct from the Lion Capital or Ashoka Pillar reverses used in subsequent series.

The obverse carries the formal promissory language of this early Republic India era — "I PROMISE TO PAY THE BEARER AT ANY OFFICE OF ISSUE THE SUM OF TEN RUPEES" — guaranteed by the Central Government, with B. Rama Rau's signature appearing above "FOR THE RESERVE BANK OF INDIA, GOVERNOR." As RBI Governor, B. Rama Rau presided over one of the most formative periods in independent India's central banking history, making notes bearing his signature especially significant to collectors tracing the RBI's institutional development.

Condition: Gem Uncirculated (Gem UNC) — this is the standout feature of this particular note. D2 series notes surviving in true Gem UNC condition are genuinely rare in today's market; the overwhelming majority of surviving examples from the 1950s show circulation wear, folds, staple holes, or handling marks consistent with notes now well over seven decades old. A note preserved at this level of crisp, original, bank-fresh condition — with sharp corners, full original sheen, and no circulation handling — represents a significant step up in both rarity and value compared to the circulated examples that make up most of what collectors typically find available.

Why this note is significant:

• D2" classification — the recognized designation for the second signature variety of the
• Republic of India era, specific to B. Rama Rau's tenure (1949–1957)
  
• Sailing boat reverse design — a distinctive, series-specific motif that sets D2 notes apart visually from later Lion Capital and Ashoka Pillar series
  
• "Only English" text layout — a design characteristic unique to this early period, predating the multilingual panels introduced in later series
  
• B. Rama Rau signature — ties the note to one of the RBI's foundational Governor tenures
  
• Gem UNC grade — exceptionally difficult to find at this condition level for a note approaching 75 years old; most surviving examples are circulated

Please note: the serial number on the note you receive will differ from the serial shown in the listing image, as this is a single note offered from available stock of this issue, prefix, and grade.

Who this note is for

This note is ideal for advanced collectors seeking a high-grade example of early Republic India currency, specialists in B. Rama Rau signature-series and D2-classification notes, and collectors who prioritize condition rarity as much as historical s