Rare Indian currency of Rs 100 auctioned for massive Rs 5649650 in…,  check it’s haj connection

History lovers and currency collectors were surprised after witnessing a massive bid for a rare Rs 100 note currency which belonged to 1950. The winning bidder acquired the note for Rs 5649650 at an auction held in London.

The currency, referred to as the ‘Haj note,’ was issued by the Reserve Bank of India to pilgrims traveling to Gulf countries for pilgrimage. 

The note has the serial number HA 078400 and has become a jewel of historical significance in economics, rather than just an item for currency collectors. At that time, the Reserve Bank kept a check on the purchase of illegal gold jewelry through regular Indian currency.

The currency was only legal in Gulf nations like UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman and its use was restricted as legal tender in the country. 

Several nations had followed the suit after Kuwait had introduced such currency in 1961. The currency is undoubtedly a rare collection as it has a historical significance. The note had special mention of HA as the serial number which stood for the pilgrimage. 

Such an auction had not taken place for the first time. Similar auction held in May 2024 which observed Rs 10 notes of 1918 were sold at whopping prices of Rs 6.90 lakh and Rs 5.80 lakh.