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 5th 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 “Twenty Kyat”. The value is stated in 3 additional times, once in Western Arabic (Standard) numerals on the upper right. And twice in Burmese numerals (၂၀), once in the upper-left, and on the lower-right on a decorative guilloché pattern.
Above is a Burmese serial number "ဃင၅၅၂၂၈၉၂", at the lower-left is second serial number "DE5522892". 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 the elephant fountain in Yangon People's Park. The popular fountain features two tiers of white elephants, topped with a lotus bud. The white elephant being a Buddhist symbol for purity, holiness, and prestige. While the lotus symbolizes purity of the body, speech, and mind. To the left is an illustration of the stairs leading to the Shwedagon Pagoda.
The remainder of the reverse is fairly conventional, featuring English text. The text mirrors of the observe, with slight adjustments. The note's value (၂၀) is listed in Burmese numerals, on the upper right. There is a number “20” 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.
Third Kyat Gallery
(This gallery will be updated as more banknotes are catalogued)
Additional Notes
The note's dimensions are 145 x 70 mm or 5.71 x 2.76, wider 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.
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