Ne Win's Numerology Erased Savings

In 1987, Burmese military dictator Ne Win's government suddenly withdrew the 25-, 35-, and 75-kyat notes without compensation, making about 75% of the country's kyat reserves worthless. Millions of Burmese lost their savings overnight, further crippling the country's economy. Later that month, the government introduced 45- and 90-kyat notes, both divisible by nine and with digits that add up to nine. Reports claimed that Ne Win acted on an astrologer's advice because he considered nine lucky.

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