I would like to let readers know about the new IBNS Educational Program started last July.

The Society runs an online lecture and presentation once a month to share the passion and knowledge on anything related to banknotes.

While the live session where you can interact with the presenters is available only to the IBNS members, a recording of the presentation, available to all, can be found on the IBNS YouTube channel here: https://bit.ly/3sHcwXL

The following is the upcoming program for the next few months:

06 February:

starting at 13:00 UTC
"Collecto.AI - Your Collection Smart Assistance
by Dmytro Durach

A presentation of an idea of a mobile app for coin and banknotes collectors and discussion of pain points that could be solved by technology.

Starting at 13:45 UTC
The Escudo Paper Money of Portugal Part I 1911-1928
by Laurence Pope

The first of a three lecture series, this lecture covers the introduction of the escudo after the 1910 revolution, and no less than four complete series of notes, known as Chapas 1 - 4, in a period of only 17 years. Profusely illustrated with a total of 100 PowerPoint slides, extensive coverage is given to specimens, proofs, progressive proofs, colour trials and archival photographs as well as issued notes. During this period Bradbury Wilkinson competed with Waterlows for the business of the Bank of Portugal, but the Alves Reis scandal of 1925 meant that Bradbury Wilkinson had gained the upper hand by the end of the 1920s.

06 March - starting at 13:00 UTC
The History of Paper Money of India
by Rezwan Razack

Dictated by the triumphs, struggles and crises in India's rich and diverse history, the story of paper money of India is elaborate as it is captivating. Rezwan Razack's comprehensive representation of this story, realised from over five decades of unwavering dedication to researching, collecting and collating historic bank notes and related material. The presentation will be a great source of information and intrigue for those who wish to look back in time to see the history of Indian paper money.A presentation like no other, for a one-of-a-kind journey through history. This presentation is outstanding for its diversity and its depth, comprising of Early Notes of the Private and Presidency Banks to the Uniface Notes of Colonial India and Portrait Notes of British monarchs, Queen Victoria, King George V and King George VI. India's colonial history is evidenced in the notes from French India and Portuguese India. Money from the Princely States of Hyderabad, Jammu and Kashmir and Saurashtra States as well as Cash Coupons and Prisoners of War Coupons are other highlights. In addition, Indian notes used in Burma and Pakistan and rare notes used in the Persian Gulf States and by Haj pilgrims are valuable additions.

03 April - starting at 13:00 UTC
Ceylon Banknotes from 1785 to 1884
by Dr. Kavan Ratnatunga

From the first introduction of Paper currency for Ceylon, by the Dutch, in 1785, to 1884 when the Colonial Government of Ceylon took over the issue of Currency, is a 100-year history, that are poorly documented in Standard Banknote Catalogs. The language on the notes changed from Dutch to English with the British takeover in 1796. Only the denomination was in Sinhala and Tamil. Early notes in Rix Dollars were redeemable in Copper. British Sterling Pounds was introduced in 1825. Watermarks were introduced around the 1840s and are hardly documented. Private Banks such as The Chartered Mercantile Bank of India, London & China - Ceylon Branch, Oriental Bank Corporation issued notes from 1844. These are not "Specialized" Issues as cataloged. They were the only issuer of Banknotes in Ceylon from 1856 till the Private Banks crashed in early 1880 due to the Coffee blight. Decimal Currency in Rupees was adopted in 1870. Dr. Kavan Ratnatunga has now compiled all available images of Ceylon Banknotes from Auction Catalogs, HSBC Archives, British Museum, and the National Museum Colombo, in his website http://notes.lakdiva.org on which this lecture is based.

01 May - starting at 13:00 UTC
The Escudo Paper Money of Portugal Part II 1929-1959
by Laurence Pope

The second of a three lecture series, this lecture covers the development of Portugal's escudo currency through the world depression of the 1930s, a banking crisis and the second world war. During this period, Antonio Oliveira de Salazar came to power and stabilised the currency under the Estado Novo inaugurated in 1933. Profusely illustrated with 100 PowerPoint slides, coverage is given to the next four series of notes, known as Chapas 5 - 8, with a particular emphasis given to proofs, archival photographs, unused designs, specimens and colour trials.

People interested to participate live to the program can join the society via its website here: https://bit.ly/3o732S2