Bicentenary of State Bank of India

Technical Data

Date of Issue	August 31, 2005
Denomination	Rs. 15
Quantity	400,000
Perforation	comb 13¼
Printer	Security Printing Press, Nashik
Watermark	No Watermark
Colors	Multicolor
Catalog Codes	Michel IN 2094 Stamp Number IN 2112 Yvert et Tellier IN 1859 Stanley Gibbons IN 2278 WADP Numbering System - WNS IN025.05
Themes	Anniversaries and Jubilees \| Banks \| Buildings \| Seals(Emblems)

Logo and Heritage: The stamp prominently features the iconic State Bank of India (SBI) logo, with a historical timeline subtly integrated into the design, illustrating the bank’s evolution over 200 years.
Architectural Imagery: The backdrop showcases landmark SBI buildings, from its original head office in Kolkata to modern-day skyscrapers. Additionally, elements such as old ledgers, modern ATMs, and digital banking symbols are used to signify the transition from traditional to digital banking.
Color Scheme: Shades of blue, the official color of SBI, along with touches of gold to signify the bank’s legacy and trustworthiness.

The State Bank of India, established in 1806 as the Bank of Calcutta (later known as the Imperial Bank of India before becoming SBI in 1955), is India’s oldest and one of the largest public sector banks. It played a vital role in financing trade and industry throughout India’s colonial, post-independence, and modern economic eras.
Over two centuries, SBI has contributed significantly to the development of the Indian banking sector, supporting both small and large-scale economic activities, and has been a pillar of the nation’s financial stability and growth.

Postage: This stamp can be used for general postal services, commemorating SBI’s two centuries of service and making the milestone widely known across the country.
Financial Awareness: Banks and educational institutions may use the stamp as a tool to promote financial literacy and historical awareness.
Philatelic Collections: A prized item for collectors interested in the evolution of banking and finance in India, as well as for those focused on institutional commemorations.

The stamp set not only celebrates the bicentenary of the State Bank of India but also highlights the institution’s role in fostering economic growth and inclusivity in India. It pays tribute to SBI’s enduring legacy of trust and innovation, emphasizing its pivotal position in the banking sector.
It also serves to inspire future advancements in banking, reflecting on how far the institution has come and its continuing influence on the nation’s financial infrastructure.

Primary Stamp: Features the SBI logo in the foreground with a historical montage in the background, including images of early banking offices, vintage currency notes, and symbols of modern financial technology. The years “1806-2006” are prominently displayed to mark the bicentenary.

First Day Cover: A special cover with an artistic representation of SBI’s milestones, from its founding days to the present, with a special cancellation mark highlighting the 200-year achievement.
Souvenir Sheet: A sheet with multiple stamps showcasing key innovations and services introduced by SBI, such as rural banking initiatives, digital banking platforms, and global partnerships.
Informative Brochure: A comprehensive booklet detailing the history of the bank, major milestones, and its impact on India’s economic development, along with anecdotes of SBI’s support in key national projects.

The bicentenary commemorative stamp set of the State Bank of India symbolizes the institution’s rich legacy and its vital contributions to the economic framework of India. It highlights how SBI has not only adapted to changing financial landscapes but has also consistently driven financial inclusion and innovation, cementing its role as a cornerstone of India’s banking history.