The Union of Myanmar also known as Burma, uses a currency named after an ancient Burmese measurement called kyattha. One kyattha was equal to 16.3 grams (0.57 oz) of silver. All Kyat notes are bilingual, Burmese on the observe and English on the reverse, 1 Kyat is subdivided into 100 Pyas.
This Burmese banknotes represents the 3rd denomination of the 3rd Kyat (Series 1994). Notably all banknotes of the series, with the exception of the 50 Pyas note features a chinthe statue. The notes are color-coded and become larger along their denomination. This along with their bilingual English text, makes them easier to understand, by non-Burmese speakers.
The overall notes from this colorful series can can be bought for a fairly low price. Making it a good starting point for beginner collectors. Although inexperienced collector should be aware of Series 2004 banknotes. Which look similar to the earlier notes, yet are smaller in size.
Observe
The observe prominently depicts a chinthe, a highly stylized lion-like guardian creature. Often seen in Myanmar as statues, guarding the entrances of Buddhist temples, pagodas, and monasteries. Chinthes are depicted the majority of Kyat notes, with some rare exceptions.
The text is in Burmese script and numerals. The upper text translates to “CENTRAL BANK OF MYANMAR”, below (center) is the note's value “Five Kyatt”. The value is stated in 3 additional times, once in Western Arabic (Standard) numerals on the upper left. And twice in Burmese numerals (၅), once in the lower-left, and on the upper-right with a decorative engraving. A similar engraving can be seen behind the chinthe.
This engraving is is printed above an underprint of guilloché patterns. Above is a Burmese serial number "ဂမ၃၀၅၄၇၅၂", at the lower-right is second serial number "CY3054752". This second serial number is in standard numerals and rests on the note's watermark area. When held into bright light, an outline of a left-ward facing chinthe head can be seen.
Notably directly below the chinthe statue illustration is barely visible micro text. It reads "Security Printing Wazi", in repeating sequence. Which is short for Security Printing Works Factory – Wazi (SPW). The national printer of all banknotes for the Central Bank of Myanmar.
Reverse
The reverse features an illustration depicting a game of Chinlone. An ancient Burmese sport played with rattan cane balls. It's played by 6 players, passing the ball without using their hands. One player stands at the center, while the other 5 players form a circle. Despite only men are seen on the illustration. Chinlone is non-competitive and played amongst all people.
The remainder of the reverse is fairly conventional, featuring English text. The text mirrors of the observe, with slight adjustments. The note's value (၅) is listed in Burmese numerals, on the upper right. There is a number “5” printed on the lower-right and upper-left. The left side number rest on a guilloché pattern, on the watermark area.
Tale of the Chinthe
The origin of the Chinthe is provided in the Mahavamsa (the "Great Chronicle"):
The princess Suppadevi of Vanga Kingdom (Bengal) had a son named Sinhabahu, through her marriage to a lion. But later abandoned the lion, who then became enraged and set out on a road of terror throughout the lands. The son then went out to slay this terrorizing lion. The son came back home to his mother stating he slew the lion, and then found out that he killed his own father. The son later constructed a statue of the lion as a guardian of a temple to atone for his sin.
The History of Chinlone
Chinlone also known as caneball is the national sport of Myanmar (Burma). It's believed to have played a significant role in Burmese culture for roughly 1,500 years. It's believed to have been created as a form of entertainment for Burmese royalty. Although has many similar versions exist throughout Southeast Asia. Often including local martial art moves and dance styles.
Generally speaking traditional Chinlone has no fixed rules, instead encouraging creativity and style. With the player at the center being free to express themselves. While the other 5 player in the circle support them, in keeping the ball off the ground. The supporting players also slowly walk around the circle, passing the ball to the center. The handwoven rattan ball makes basket-like sound as it's hit.
Chinlone wasn't widely known in the West, until the British colonial period (1824-1948). Despite Europeans not considering Chinlone a sport, but and entering game. International interest grew, with teams touring throughout Europe and Asia by 1911. These tours were seen as a type of performance art, similar to a circus act. With highly skilled players demonstrating their skills.
Notably Chinlone later played a role in restoring Burmese cultural identity. After Myanmar gained independence from Britain, in 1948. Burmese culture was greatly influenced by British culture, through sports such as cricket and polo. In the 1960s the Burmese government strongly promoted Chinlone as a means of promoting cultural pride and the virtue of personal cooperation.
This was a follow up to a earlier government request to create a professional type of Chinlone. In 1954, U Ah Yein, then head of Burma Athletic Association was tasked with creating a rulebook. This allowed for the first official Chinlone competition the same year, Yangon. Which was considered somewhat controversial as Chinlone is a non-competitive sport by design.
Since first appearing at the closing ceremony of 2013 SEA Games (Yangon, Myanmar). Chinlone has occasionally been included at the Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games). These include the 2017 SEA Games (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia) and the 2023 SEA Games (Phnom Penh, Cambodia). Notably most of the participating nations have their own local versions of Chinlone.
Third Kyat Gallery
(This gallery will be updated as more banknotes are catalogued)
Additional Notes
The note's dimensions are 130 x 60 mm or 5.12 x 2.36 in, smaller than a standard US dollar.
One Kyat is subdivided into 100 Pyas, the first banknote of the 1994 Series is the 50 Pyas note.
The 50 Pyas note (1994) is the only non-Kyat denominated banknote printed.
This currency is still considered active and should be treated as such. Legal precautions should be considered in regards to this this note.