The Lost Treasure Of Ship SS Shirala: WWI Currency Fetches Rs 12 Lakh At Auction, Check Details Here

Imagine finding an old Rs 10 note that could make you rich. This is what happened with two rare Rs 10 notes from the British ship SS Shirala, which sank during World War I. Recently, in a London auction, these notes sold for a combined Rs 12 lakh, with one fetching Rs 6.90 lakh and the other Rs 5.80 lakh. Issued on 25 May 1918, these notes were preserved remarkably well despite being underwater for over a century, thanks to their high-quality paper and tight bundling. Their historical significance, rarity, and excellent condition make them extremely valuable to collectors and historians.

Historical Significance: Issued During World War I

These Rs 10 notes were issued on 25 May 1918, during the last years of World War I. This historical period adds significant value to the notes. They were on the British ship SS Shirala, which was sunk by a German U-boat on 2 July 1918. The sinking of the SS Shirala is an important historical event, and having notes from that time makes them even more valuable.

Owning currency notes from such a significant event, especially those recovered from a shipwreck is extremely rare. The notes from the SS Shirala are like owning a piece of history, making them very special.

High-Quality Paper and Rarity

The high-quality paper used to print these Rs 10 notes also helped them survive. Items from the early 20th century that are in such good condition are very rare, making these notes highly desired by collectors and historians. Their rarity and good condition are key reasons for their high prices at the auction.

The Floating Vault: SS Shirala's Final Voyage

Rs 10 note from 1918| Photo: TOI

The SS Shirala was a relatively small ship, 425 feet long and 50 feet wide. Launched on August 31, 1901, it had traveled a lot for the British India Steam Navigation Company, carrying goods like biscuits and railway sleepers, TOI mentioned. On its final journey to Bombay on July 1, 1918, it carried precious cargo, rumored to include diamonds and elephant tusks. It also had jars of Dundee marmalade for the British in India, spare parts for vehicles and weapons, and new currency notes, including unsigned Rs 5 and Rs 10 notes and recently introduced signed Re 1 notes.

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Notes Washed Ashore: The SS Shirala's Lost Treasure

The larger notes from Britain were unsigned and would only become legal tender after being signed by officials at the Indian Currency Office. When the SS Shirala sank in shallow waters near the English coast, parts of its cargo washed up onshore, including notes of all three denominations. According to The Pioneer Mail of Allahabad on February 6, 1920, some of these notes appeared at the Currency Office in Rangoon from local banks, with a few even having forged signatures.

A Diver's Delight: The Wreck of the SS Shirala

Rs 10 note from 1918| Photo: TOI

Many of the SS Shirala's rupee notes were kept by those who found them, leading to their availability for auction over a century later. The wreck of the SS Shirala has since become a popular spot for divers. Concerning the wreck, Historic England, the body in charge of British heritage properties, says it still has "cases of wine; crates of Dundee marmalade; spares for vehicles; binoculars and telescopes; and some ivory." But it's quite doubtful that the rupee notes will be recovered after being submerged for more than a century.

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The Fascinating Legacy of the SS Shirala

Rs 1 note from 1918 | Photo: TOI

The story of the SS Shirala and its cargo, especially the Rs 10 old notes, continues to intrigue collectors and history enthusiasts. The potential sale of these Rs 10 notes for Rs 2.7 lakh each highlights their significant historical and monetary value. These rare Rs 10 notes, along with the tale of the British ship SS Shirala, remain a fascinating chapter in maritime history and numismatics.

By understanding the historical context and the unique journey of the SS Shirala, one can appreciate why these old Rs 10 notes have garnered such high interest and value in today's market. The sinking of the SS Shirala and the subsequent recovery of its cargo, including the Rs 10 old notes, weave a narrative that captivates both historians and collectors alike.

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