Pyu
Konbaung Dynasty - First kyat (1852-1889)
Rupee (1937-1943)
Kyat (1943-1945)
Union of Burma - Rupee (1945-1952)
Union of Burma - Third kyat (1952-1989)
Union of Myanmar - Third kyat (1989-date)
This is a similar issue to the Egyptian Pound, as currencies were created before the ruling authority system. I propose that we both drop the ruling authority names, add "Second" for the Japanese Kyat, and we merge the Third Kyat. This would result in:
Pyu
First Kyat (1852-1889)
Rupee (1937-1943)
Second Kyat (1943-1945)
Rupee (1945-1952)
Third Kyat (1952-date)
Please let me know if there is anything I have missed.
Master Coin Referee
Coin referee for CRI, GTM, HND, NIC, PAN, and SLV.
Revisor principal de monedas
Revisor de Numista para monedas de CRI, GTM, HND, NIC, PAN y SLV.
The situation in Burma/Myanmar is certainly a difficult one to arrange. Part of the problem lies in the use of different names in English and Burmese, both for the country itself and the currency units. I think it might help if we start by setting out what appeared on the coins and notes, starting in 1937 (I don't think there's any issues earlier).
On the coins, only Burmese has been used:
1949-1952: Pya, Pe
1952-: Pya, Kyat
On the notes, both languages have appeared (E: English, B: Burmese):
1937-1942: Rupee (E), Kyat (B)
1942-1944: Rupee (E)
1944-1945: Kyat (B)
1945-1947: Rupee (E)
1948-1953: Rupee (E), Kyat (B)
1953-: Kyat (E), Kyat (B)
We then come to the subdivisions.
1937-1942: 16 Annas = 64 Pice (Indian coins were used)
1942-1945: 100 Cents (Japanese occupation)
1945-1949: 16 Annas = 64 Pice (Indian coins were used)
1949-1952: 16 Pe = 64 Pya
1952-: 100 Pya
Finally, the name of the country. This was always Myanmar when written in Burmese but was Burma when written in English until 1990 when Myanmar was adopted (following a decision made in 1989).
As you can see, there is little allignment between the different elements. The proposed sytem has much going for it. However, I would ammend it slightly to the following.
Pyu
First Kyat (1852-1889)
First Rupee (1937-1944)
Second Kyat (1944-1945)
Second Rupee (1945-1952)
Third Kyat (1952-date)
1944 is when notes only bearing the name Kyat were introduced. 1945 saw the return of the Rupee but these were distinct issues from the earlier notes, so I think a separate currency is warranted. 1952 saw decimalization and the first Kyat coins.
Former Numista referee for banknotes from Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and Saint Helena.