Indian currency coins
The word 'Coin' is derived from the Latin word "cuneus" and it is believed that the first Recorded use of coins was in China and Greece in around 700 BC and in India in the sixth century B.C.
A Coin is a piece of metal of prescribed weight, embellished with design and product under the Directions of an authority, for its use as a medium of exchange and commercial transactions and so it has become a part of our daily life.
Collecting old, rare, and obsolete coins is a fascinating and extremely educative hobby, and one that has gained immense popularity and momentum in the course of Last century.
The study of coins and medallions is known as NUMISMATICS
Till relatively recent times, coins were virtually the only neutral unit of value which we term money. However, in India and elsewhere, when coins of sufficiently small denomination, were not available, cowries, the hard outer shells of shellfish, were also used to supplement coins and were widely utilized by the poor.
There are, believed to be, some 130 varieties of cowries in the world of which around 40 are available in India. Those ceased to be used when the Indian government issued coins of very low denomination.
Almost all the rulers of the various Indian States issued their own unique coins of different shapes, sizes, weights and denominations, in gold, silver, brass and other metals. Early coins were die-struck manually and therefore were not uniform in shape and design. The earliest of such coins were casted coins & die-struck only on one side, and were thus uniface and because they had one to five marks incused on a single side, they are termed 'punch mark' coins.
These punch mark coins are uniface & remained in use till 300 B.C; subsequently both sides began to be embossed with the bust and legend.
All that changed in the West in mid-seventeenth century (and in India in 1829 A.D. when the British set up the first two mints here) when the invention of the mill and screw machine which made it possible to mass produce coins of uniform weight and design. "MINT is a factory where coins are made" Coins are usually stamped from rolled metal blanks, now generally of a light, durable metal alloy, and have a design embossed upon them between the upper and lower dies of a coining press. Milled or lettered edges have been used since the seventeenth century, though considerably later in India.
There are four mints in India each with a long & distinguished history that produce coins which serve our everyday needs, The two oldest areAlipore (Calcutta) and Bombay mints, both were Established in 1829 by the British Government, though the former was originally located in Calcutta and moved to it s present site in 1952.
The Hyderabad mint was established in 1903 by the Government of the erstwhile Nizam of Hyderabad and was taken over by the Government of India in 1950 & started minting since 1953. Noida mint was set up in 1986 and started minting ferritic stainless steel coins from 1988. Needless to say, all the four mints have undergone a continuing process of modernization, up gradation, and capacity enhancement to serve the requirements of a rapidly growing economy. Indian coins bear the distinctive marks of these mints but some coins were minted abroad and imported in 1857-58, 1943, 1985, 1997-2002 and these bear the mint marks of their origin. These coins are imported with the approval ofReserve Bank of India.
A Coin is a piece of metal of prescribed weight, embellished with design and product under the Directions of an authority, for its use as a medium of exchange and commercial transactions and so it has become a part of our daily life.
Collecting old, rare, and obsolete coins is a fascinating and extremely educative hobby, and one that has gained immense popularity and momentum in the course of Last century.
The study of coins and medallions is known as NUMISMATICS
Till relatively recent times, coins were virtually the only neutral unit of value which we term money. However, in India and elsewhere, when coins of sufficiently small denomination, were not available, cowries, the hard outer shells of shellfish, were also used to supplement coins and were widely utilized by the poor.
There are, believed to be, some 130 varieties of cowries in the world of which around 40 are available in India. Those ceased to be used when the Indian government issued coins of very low denomination.
Almost all the rulers of the various Indian States issued their own unique coins of different shapes, sizes, weights and denominations, in gold, silver, brass and other metals. Early coins were die-struck manually and therefore were not uniform in shape and design. The earliest of such coins were casted coins & die-struck only on one side, and were thus uniface and because they had one to five marks incused on a single side, they are termed 'punch mark' coins.
These punch mark coins are uniface & remained in use till 300 B.C; subsequently both sides began to be embossed with the bust and legend.
All that changed in the West in mid-seventeenth century (and in India in 1829 A.D. when the British set up the first two mints here) when the invention of the mill and screw machine which made it possible to mass produce coins of uniform weight and design. "MINT is a factory where coins are made" Coins are usually stamped from rolled metal blanks, now generally of a light, durable metal alloy, and have a design embossed upon them between the upper and lower dies of a coining press. Milled or lettered edges have been used since the seventeenth century, though considerably later in India.
There are four mints in India each with a long & distinguished history that produce coins which serve our everyday needs, The two oldest areAlipore (Calcutta) and Bombay mints, both were Established in 1829 by the British Government, though the former was originally located in Calcutta and moved to it s present site in 1952.
The Hyderabad mint was established in 1903 by the Government of the erstwhile Nizam of Hyderabad and was taken over by the Government of India in 1950 & started minting since 1953. Noida mint was set up in 1986 and started minting ferritic stainless steel coins from 1988. Needless to say, all the four mints have undergone a continuing process of modernization, up gradation, and capacity enhancement to serve the requirements of a rapidly growing economy. Indian coins bear the distinctive marks of these mints but some coins were minted abroad and imported in 1857-58, 1943, 1985, 1997-2002 and these bear the mint marks of their origin. These coins are imported with the approval ofReserve Bank of India.
KING EDWARD VII COINS
Edward VII (Albert Edward; 9 Nov 1841 - 06 May 1910 ) was King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, King of the Commonwealth Realms, and the Emperor of India. He was the son of Queen Victoria. He reigned from 22 Jan 1901 until his death on 06 May 1910.
When Queen Victoria died on 22 January 1901, the Prince of Wales became king. Then 59, he was the second oldest man to ascend to the throne in British history (the oldest having been William IV), who ascended at age of 64 years.
Full name --Albert Edward
Reign --22 Jan 1901-06 May 1910
Coronation --09 Aug 1902
Predecessor --Victoria
Successor --George V
King Edward Memorial (KEM) Hospital is amongst the foremost teaching and medical care providing institutions in India. The hospital was founded in Bombay in 1926 as a memorial to the King, who had visited India as Prince of Wales in 1876.
Coins of King Edward VII
The Edward VII series of coins of India are dated 1903-1910. There are four silver coins (Rupee, 1/2 Rupee, 1/4 Rupee and 2 Annas) and three copper coins (1/4 Anna, 1/2 Pice and 1/12 Anna). A cupro-nickel 1 Anna coin was introduced in 1906. That same year the copper coins were replace by bronze issues with the same obverse and reverse designs but a thinner plancet. The 1906 coins come in both varieties.
The King Edward VII coins are distinct as the head is uncrowned. The apparent explanation is, though Queen Victoria died on 22 January 1901, Edward's coronation was not held till 9 August 1902. The master dies were created before the coronation, so it was not possible to show him wearing the crown. It is reported that a new portrait was prepared for 1910, but King Edward's death that year prevented the issue of any coins. The 1 Anna introduced in 1906 does have a portrait of the King wearing his crown.
SILVER COINS OF KING EDWARD VII
One Rupee (1903-1910)
The Rupee was minted in both Calcutta and Bombay. There is no mint mark for Calcutta. The Bombay issues have a small incuse "B" (the 1903 Rupee also has a raised "B" variety). The "B" mint mark can be impossible to see but a "dot" on the stem of the lotus-bud (lower right on reverse) is a more prominent mark. Various traces of the 'B' may be seen, but use 'dot' on the lotus-bud stem to identify the mint.
There is an interesting (and scarce) variety on the reverse of some 1903-C Rupees. The normal configuration of five dots may be missing a dot. The explanation seems to be that the engraver was not familiar with Persian script, so he made a mistake and left out one dot. This was soon rectified, so this rare error exists only on the first year of issue.I happy to be one of the lucky collectors who have this coin.
The 1/2 Rupee was minted in both Calcutta and Bombay.The regular issues started in 1905. There is no mint mark for Calcutta. The Bombay issues have a small incuse "B" (the 1910 1/2 Rupee also has a raised "B" variety).
The 1/4 Rupee and 2 Annas was minted only in Calcutta. There are no variants and no mint marks
1 ANNA
The 1 Anna coin was minted only in Bombay. Very few coins were issued in the first year (1906).I havent seen any of them. This copper-nickel coin became very popular. The coins have an incuse "B" mint mark in the crown on the obverse of the coin.
It is the only coin in the Edward VII series showing a crowned head. The scalloped edge of the coin has 12 crests, which correspond to its value of 12 pies.
1/4 ANNA
The 1/4 Anna coin was minted only in Calcutta. There are no variants and no mint marks. In 1906 the composition was changed from copper to bronze. Due to increase in the International price of copper. The new bronze coins were thinner.Both versions of the coin were minted in 1906.
1/2 PICE
The 1/2 Pice coin was minted only in Calcutta. There are no variants and no mint marks. In 1906 the composition was changed from copper to bronze. The new bronze coins were thinner. Both versions of the coin were minted in 1906.
1/12 ANNA
The 1/12 Anna coin was minted only in Calcutta. There are no variants and no mint marks. In 1906 the composition was changed from copper to bronze. The new bronze coins were thinner. Both versions of the coin were minted in 1906.
BRITISH INDIA --- REPUBLIC INDIA COINAGE
Introduction
India won its independence on 15th August, 1947. During the period of transition India retained the monetary system and the currency and coinage of the earlier period. While Pakistan introduced a new series of coins in 1948 and notes in 1949, India brought out its distinctive coins on 15th August, 1950.
Chronologically, the main considerations influencing the coinage policy of Republic India over time have been:
• The incorporation of symbols of sovereignty and indigenous motifs on independence.
• Coinage Reforms with the introduction of the metric system.
• The need felt from time to time to obviate the possibility of the metallic value of coins rising beyond the face value.
• The cost-benefit of coinisation of currency notes.
Independent India Issues could broadly be categorised as:
The Frozen Series 1947-1950
This represented the currency arrangements during the transition period upto the establishment of the Indian Republic. The Monetary System remained unchanged at One Rupee consisting of 192 pies.
1 Rupee = 16 Annas
1 Anna = 4 Pice
1 Pice = 3 Pies
The Anna Series
Introduced on 15th August, 1950 and represented the first coinage of Republic India. The King's Portrait was replaced by the Lion Capital of the Ashoka Pillar. A corn sheaf replaced the Tiger on the one Rupee coin. In some ways this symbolised a shift in focus to progress and prosperity. Indian motifs were incorporated on other coins. The monetary system was largely retained unchanged with one Rupee consisting of 16 Annas.
Decimal Series
The 1955 Indian Coinage (Amendment) Act, that came into force with effect from 1st April 1957, introduced a Decimal series.
The rupee was now divided into 100 'Paisa' instead of 16 Annas or 64 Pice.
With high inflation in the sixties, small denomination coins which were made of bronze, nickel-brass, cupro-nickel, and Aluminium-Bronze were gradually minted in Aluminium. This change commenced with the introduction of the new hexagonal 3 paise coin. A twenty paise coin was introduced in 1968 but did not gain much popularity.
Over a period of time, cost benefit considerations led to the gradual discontinuance of 1, 2 and 3 paise coins in the seventies; Stainless steel coinage of 10, 25 and 50 paise, was introduced in 1988 and of one rupee in 1992. The very considerable costs of managing note issues of Re 1, Rs 2, and Rs 5 led to the gradual coinisation of these denominations in the 1990s.
One "Naya" Paisa: one hundredth of a rupee, after decimalisation, 1957.
During 1835-1957
1 rupee = 16 annas = 64 pices = 192 pies
During 1957-64
1 rupee = 100 naya paise
Since 1964
1 rupee = 100 paise
The demand for decimalisation existed for over a century. Sri Lanka decimalised its rupee in 1869. The Indian Coinage Act was amended in September 1955 for the adoption of a metric system for coinage. The Act came into force with effect from 1st April, 1957. The rupee remained unchanged in value and nomenclature. It, however, was now divided into 100 'Paisa' instead of 16 Annas or 64 Pice. For public recognition, the new decimal Paisa was termed 'Naya Paisa' till 1st June, 1964 when the term 'Naya' was dropped. The coins of that period also mentioned their value in terms of the rupee to avoid confusion and cheating. For example, the one paisa coin carried the text "One hundredth of a Rupee" in Hindi.
India issues several types of coins. Commemorative coins in various denominations have been issued, including those celebrating Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, B. R. Ambedkar, Rajiv Gandhi, Dnyaneshwar, 1982-Asian Games, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Subhash Chandra Bose, Sri Aurobindo, Chittaranjan Das, and Chhatrapati Shivaji.
The denominations in circulation currently are 25 and 50 paise and 1, 2 and 5 rupee coins.
India won its independence on 15th August, 1947. During the period of transition India retained the monetary system and the currency and coinage of the earlier period. While Pakistan introduced a new series of coins in 1948 and notes in 1949, India brought out its distinctive coins on 15th August, 1950.
Chronologically, the main considerations influencing the coinage policy of Republic India over time have been:
• The incorporation of symbols of sovereignty and indigenous motifs on independence.
• Coinage Reforms with the introduction of the metric system.
• The need felt from time to time to obviate the possibility of the metallic value of coins rising beyond the face value.
• The cost-benefit of coinisation of currency notes.
Independent India Issues could broadly be categorised as:
The Frozen Series 1947-1950
This represented the currency arrangements during the transition period upto the establishment of the Indian Republic. The Monetary System remained unchanged at One Rupee consisting of 192 pies.
1 Rupee = 16 Annas
1 Anna = 4 Pice
1 Pice = 3 Pies
The Anna Series
Introduced on 15th August, 1950 and represented the first coinage of Republic India. The King's Portrait was replaced by the Lion Capital of the Ashoka Pillar. A corn sheaf replaced the Tiger on the one Rupee coin. In some ways this symbolised a shift in focus to progress and prosperity. Indian motifs were incorporated on other coins. The monetary system was largely retained unchanged with one Rupee consisting of 16 Annas.
Decimal Series
The 1955 Indian Coinage (Amendment) Act, that came into force with effect from 1st April 1957, introduced a Decimal series.
The rupee was now divided into 100 'Paisa' instead of 16 Annas or 64 Pice.
With high inflation in the sixties, small denomination coins which were made of bronze, nickel-brass, cupro-nickel, and Aluminium-Bronze were gradually minted in Aluminium. This change commenced with the introduction of the new hexagonal 3 paise coin. A twenty paise coin was introduced in 1968 but did not gain much popularity.
Over a period of time, cost benefit considerations led to the gradual discontinuance of 1, 2 and 3 paise coins in the seventies; Stainless steel coinage of 10, 25 and 50 paise, was introduced in 1988 and of one rupee in 1992. The very considerable costs of managing note issues of Re 1, Rs 2, and Rs 5 led to the gradual coinisation of these denominations in the 1990s.
One "Naya" Paisa: one hundredth of a rupee, after decimalisation, 1957.
During 1835-1957
1 rupee = 16 annas = 64 pices = 192 pies
During 1957-64
1 rupee = 100 naya paise
Since 1964
1 rupee = 100 paise
The demand for decimalisation existed for over a century. Sri Lanka decimalised its rupee in 1869. The Indian Coinage Act was amended in September 1955 for the adoption of a metric system for coinage. The Act came into force with effect from 1st April, 1957. The rupee remained unchanged in value and nomenclature. It, however, was now divided into 100 'Paisa' instead of 16 Annas or 64 Pice. For public recognition, the new decimal Paisa was termed 'Naya Paisa' till 1st June, 1964 when the term 'Naya' was dropped. The coins of that period also mentioned their value in terms of the rupee to avoid confusion and cheating. For example, the one paisa coin carried the text "One hundredth of a Rupee" in Hindi.
India issues several types of coins. Commemorative coins in various denominations have been issued, including those celebrating Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, B. R. Ambedkar, Rajiv Gandhi, Dnyaneshwar, 1982-Asian Games, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Subhash Chandra Bose, Sri Aurobindo, Chittaranjan Das, and Chhatrapati Shivaji.
The denominations in circulation currently are 25 and 50 paise and 1, 2 and 5 rupee coins.
KING GEORGE VI COINS
The Coins of British India King George VI (1938-1947)
After the death of King George V his son, who would have been King Edward VIII, abdicated before the coronation. No coins were minted using his portrait. His brother the Duke of York was crowned King George VI in May 1937 and the first coin of India with his effigy was minted in 1938.
Half Silver Coins ?
After the price of silver started going up after the outbreak of World War II in 1939, the practice of hoarding silver coins became common. This led to reducing the use of silver in coins. The 1940 1/4-Rupee, 1/2-Rupee and One Rupee coins were reduced from 0.917 silver to 0.500 silver (there were a limited number of 1939 Rupees minted in 0.500 silver). Though not listed by Krause, D. Chakravarty reports 1940 1/4 Rupees exist in the earlier 0.917 silver version.
One Rupee (1938-1947)
Y-57/57a/60 KM-555/556/557/557a/559
The Rupee was minted in Calcutta, Bombay and Lahore in 0.917 silver, 0.500 silver and Nickel with a reeded edge and later a security edge. There is no mint mark for Calcutta. The Bombay issues have a small dot or diamond on the reverse under the ornate (the lotus flower) near the bottom of the coin . The Lahore mint used a small "L" in the same position. When the composition switched to Nickel in 1947 a completely different reverse (an Indian tiger) was introduced.
1/2 Rupee (1938-1947)
Y-56a/56b/59 KM-549/550/550a/552/553
The 1/2 Rupee was minted in Calcutta, Bombay and Lahore in 0.917 silver, 0.500 silver and Nickel with a reeded edge and later a security edge. There is no mint mark for Calcutta. The Bombay issues have a small dot or diamond on the reverse under the ornate (the lotus flower) near the bottom of the coin .The Lahore mint used a small "L" in the same position. When the composition switched to Nickel in 1946 a completely different reverse (an Indian tiger) was introduced.
1/4 Rupee (1938-1947)
Y-55a/55b KM-544/544a/545/ 546/547/548
The 1/4 Rupee was minted in Calcutta, Bombay and Lahore in 0.917 silver, 0.500 silver and Nickel with a reeded edge and later a security edge. There is no mint mark for Calcutta. The Bombay issues have a small dot or diamond on the reverse under the ornate (the lotus flower) near the bottom of the coin .The Lahore mint used a small "L" in the same position. When the composition switched to Nickel in 1946 a completely different reverse (an Indian tiger) was introduced. There are several varieties in the obverse and two major varieties of the ornate (lotus flower) on the reverse.
Copper coins of George VI
1 Pice (Bronze) 1943-1947
Y-51/51a KM-532/533
The 1 Pice coin was only minted for five years, but it has three crown different varieties and was made at four different mints. It's shape is also unique, with the hole in the center (sometimes referred to as a "washer" shape). The obverse varieties are recognized by the crown design on the obverse designated Round Crown (RC), High Crown (HC) and Flat Crown (FC). A second difference is the size of the lettering and date numerals, small (Y-51, KM-532) and large (Y-51a, KM-533). The mint is designated by a mint mark just under the date on the obverse: Calcutta (no mint mark), Bombay (large dot), Pretoria, South Africa (small dot) and Lahore (raised "L"). Krause indicates in 1944 the Bombay mm appears to be a large dot over a diamond. My 1943 Bombay appears to have a double dot.
1/2 Pice (Bronze) 1938-1942
Y-49/49a KM-528/529
The Second Head variety was only struck as proof or restrikes, so only the First Head is shown here. It was only struck for circulation 1939-1940. It is reported by Krause that it was also struck in 1938 but none have been found in circulation. The 1/2 pice was struck in Calcutta (no mint mark) and Bombay (dot below date on reverse).
1/12 Anna (Bronze) 1938-1942
Y-47/47a KM-526/527
The 1/12-anna comes in two obverse varieties, First Head and Second Head. It is interesting that both varieties were used in 1938 and 1939. For both varieties, the 1938 strikes were proofs or restrikes, not circulation coins. The 1/12-anna was only minted through 1942 and was then discontinued.
After the death of King George V his son, who would have been King Edward VIII, abdicated before the coronation. No coins were minted using his portrait. His brother the Duke of York was crowned King George VI in May 1937 and the first coin of India with his effigy was minted in 1938.
Half Silver Coins ?
After the price of silver started going up after the outbreak of World War II in 1939, the practice of hoarding silver coins became common. This led to reducing the use of silver in coins. The 1940 1/4-Rupee, 1/2-Rupee and One Rupee coins were reduced from 0.917 silver to 0.500 silver (there were a limited number of 1939 Rupees minted in 0.500 silver). Though not listed by Krause, D. Chakravarty reports 1940 1/4 Rupees exist in the earlier 0.917 silver version.
One Rupee (1938-1947)
Y-57/57a/60 KM-555/556/557/557a/559
The Rupee was minted in Calcutta, Bombay and Lahore in 0.917 silver, 0.500 silver and Nickel with a reeded edge and later a security edge. There is no mint mark for Calcutta. The Bombay issues have a small dot or diamond on the reverse under the ornate (the lotus flower) near the bottom of the coin . The Lahore mint used a small "L" in the same position. When the composition switched to Nickel in 1947 a completely different reverse (an Indian tiger) was introduced.
The 1939 Rupee is one of the most rare and expensive coins of the British India Period
1/2 Rupee (1938-1947)
Y-56a/56b/59 KM-549/550/550a/552/553
The 1/2 Rupee was minted in Calcutta, Bombay and Lahore in 0.917 silver, 0.500 silver and Nickel with a reeded edge and later a security edge. There is no mint mark for Calcutta. The Bombay issues have a small dot or diamond on the reverse under the ornate (the lotus flower) near the bottom of the coin .The Lahore mint used a small "L" in the same position. When the composition switched to Nickel in 1946 a completely different reverse (an Indian tiger) was introduced.
1/4 Rupee (1938-1947)
Y-55a/55b KM-544/544a/545/ 546/547/548
The 1/4 Rupee was minted in Calcutta, Bombay and Lahore in 0.917 silver, 0.500 silver and Nickel with a reeded edge and later a security edge. There is no mint mark for Calcutta. The Bombay issues have a small dot or diamond on the reverse under the ornate (the lotus flower) near the bottom of the coin .The Lahore mint used a small "L" in the same position. When the composition switched to Nickel in 1946 a completely different reverse (an Indian tiger) was introduced. There are several varieties in the obverse and two major varieties of the ornate (lotus flower) on the reverse.
Copper coins of George VI
1 Pice (Bronze) 1943-1947
Y-51/51a KM-532/533
The 1 Pice coin was only minted for five years, but it has three crown different varieties and was made at four different mints. It's shape is also unique, with the hole in the center (sometimes referred to as a "washer" shape). The obverse varieties are recognized by the crown design on the obverse designated Round Crown (RC), High Crown (HC) and Flat Crown (FC). A second difference is the size of the lettering and date numerals, small (Y-51, KM-532) and large (Y-51a, KM-533). The mint is designated by a mint mark just under the date on the obverse: Calcutta (no mint mark), Bombay (large dot), Pretoria, South Africa (small dot) and Lahore (raised "L"). Krause indicates in 1944 the Bombay mm appears to be a large dot over a diamond. My 1943 Bombay appears to have a double dot.
1/2 Pice (Bronze) 1938-1942
Y-49/49a KM-528/529
The Second Head variety was only struck as proof or restrikes, so only the First Head is shown here. It was only struck for circulation 1939-1940. It is reported by Krause that it was also struck in 1938 but none have been found in circulation. The 1/2 pice was struck in Calcutta (no mint mark) and Bombay (dot below date on reverse).
1/12 Anna (Bronze) 1938-1942
Y-47/47a KM-526/527
The 1/12-anna comes in two obverse varieties, First Head and Second Head. It is interesting that both varieties were used in 1938 and 1939. For both varieties, the 1938 strikes were proofs or restrikes, not circulation coins. The 1/12-anna was only minted through 1942 and was then discontinued.
George was the Emperor of India. George reigned from 06 May 1910 through World War I (1914-1918) until his death in 1936.
Reign -06 May 1910-20 January 1936
Coronation - 22 June 1911
Predecessor - Edward VII
Successor - Edward VIII
George was born on 03 June 1865, at London. His father was The Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII), the eldest son of Queen Victoria.
The marriage of George and May took place on 06 July 1893 at the Chapel Royal in London. On 06 May 1910, King Edward VII died, and the Prince of Wales ascended the throne. George was now King George V and Mary chose the regal name of Queen Mary.
Silver Jubilee of King George V Rule (1910-1935)
MINT MARKS GEORGE V COINS
Bombay Mint :Used a small dot on the reverse under the ornate near the bottom of the coin at 6'o clock position.
Calcutta Mint : No Mint Mark used
Copper Coins of George V
Silver Coins of George V
Coins were minted in India with the effigy of King George V from 1911 to 1936. Due to the increase in the price of silver caused by World War I (1914-1918) the silver 1/2 Rupee, 1/4 Rupee and 2 Annas were discontinued and new cupro-nickel coins introduced (8 Annas, 4 Annas, 2 Anna) to join the cupro-nickel 1 Anna coin. These new coins were not popular, so the 8 Anna and 4 Anna coins were discontinued shortly after introduction. The 1/4 Rupee and 1/2 Rupee silver coins quickly resumed production.
"Pig Rupee" - Really intresting story
On the 1911 issues of the Rupee, Half Rupee, Quarter Rupee, Two Annas and 1/4 Anna the King is shown wearing a robe with a small elephant on it. This elephant was thought to resemble a pig with the trunk appearing to be a pig snout and the short legs not appearing very elephant-like. This offended the religious sensibilities of many, so most of the Rupees minted for 1911 were withheld from circulation and later melted. The 1912 coins had a redesigned elephant.
One Rupee (1911-1936)
The Rupee was minted in both Calcutta and Bombay.The first year of issue (1911) has an elephant on the Kings robe that was considered to resemble a pig, thus the variety is known as the "pig rupee" (Type I). This variant is also on the 1/2 Rupee, the 1/4 Rupee, the 2 Annas and the 1/4 Anna coins. The elephant figure was redesigned (Type II) and this design was used on all issues starting in 1912.
1/2 Rupee (1911-1936)
The 1/2 Rupee has the same variety as the "Pig Rupee" for 1911 (only from the Calcutta mint)and has the same placement of the dot mint mark for the issues of Bombay. Minting was briefly interrupted when the attempt was made to replace it with the 8 Annas issue in 1919. The coin was issued in 1919 but not in 1920. Minting was resumed in 1921. It was not minted in 1931 and 1932.
1/4 Rupee (1911-1936)
The 1/4 Rupee also had the "pig" variety in 1911 coin (see Rupee for photos of elephant design). After the 1920 issue it was discontinued and replaced with the 4 Annas. However, after the 4 Annas was dropped the 1/4 Rupee was resumed in 1925.
8 Annas - Copper-Nickel (1919-1920)
This coin was introduced in 1919 to replace the silver Half Rupee, because of the increased price of silver. It wasn't very popular, though, and due to this and a large number of counterfeits, it was discontinued in 1920 and withdrawn from circulation (it ceased to be legal tender in October 1924). In 1920 it was produced only at the Bombay mint.It is a rare coin for British India Coin collectors.
4 Annas
This coin was introduced in 1919 to replace its silver equivalent, the 1/4 Rupee. It was discontinued after the 1921 issue. Unlike the 8 Annas, it was not withdrawn from circulation and continued to be legal tender.
2 Annas: Silver(1911-1917) & Cu-Nickel(1918-1936)
The first year of issue 1911 shows the "pig" elephant on the King's robe.Equal to 1/8 Rupee, it was discontinued after the 1917 issue, replaced by the Copper-Nickel version.
This copper-nickel coin was introduced to replace the silver 2 Annas coin, due to the high cost of silver. This was minted through the end of the George V era. It was produced by both the Calcutta mint (no mint mark) and the Bombay mint ("dot" mint mark).
1 Anna - Copper-Nickel (1912-1936)
This copper-nickel coin, similar to the Edward VII One Anna coin introduced in 1906, was minted only in Bombay 1912-1920.It had no mint mark during these years. After not being minted for two years 1921-1922 minting was resumed at both mints, with the "dot" mint mark indicating the Bombay mint. The coin was again not minted in 1931-1932.
COMMING SOON.............
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VICTORIA COINS : SILVER FRACTIONS
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Fractions : 1/2 Rupee > 1/4 Rupee > 2 Annas
HALF RUPEE : 8 ANNAS
QUARTER RUPEE : 4 ANNAS
TWO ANNAS
VICTORIA QUEEN YOUNG BUST (1840)
VICTORIA QUEEN MATURE BUST (1862-1876)
VICRORIA EMPRESS (1877-1901)
Fractions : 1/2 Rupee > 1/4 Rupee > 2 Annas
HALF RUPEE : 8 ANNAS
QUARTER RUPEE : 4 ANNAS
TWO ANNAS
VICTORIA QUEEN YOUNG BUST (1840)
VICTORIA QUEEN MATURE BUST (1862-1876)
VICRORIA EMPRESS (1877-1901)
VICTORIA COINS : COPPER FRACTIONS
Copper Fractions:1/2 Anna>1/4 Anna>1/2 Pice>1/12 Anna
Coins minted from 1862 through 1873 all have the date 1862.
The legend reads "Victoria Queen" for coins dated 1862 - 1876.
It reads "Victoria Empress" for coins dated 1877-1901.
1/2 ANNA
The 1/2 Anna was only minted for a few years (through 1877)
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1/4 ANNA
The 1/4 Anna was minted through 1901. The Madras mint only made 1862 coins, while the Bombay mint was used through 1889. Only the Calcutta mint produced coins from 1890 to 1901.
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1/2 PICE
The legend reads "Victoria Queen" for coins dated 1862, the only year this design was minted for circulation.
It reads "Victoria Empress" for coins dated 1885-1901.
The 1/2 Pice saw limited minting, with no coins minted for circulation between 1862 and 1885. The Madras mint only made 1862 coins. The Calcutta mint was the only other mint used, and it produced coins from 1862-1901.
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1/12 ANNA
The 1/12 Anna was minted through 1901. The Madras mint only made 1862 coins, while the Bombay mint was used through 1889 (Krauss lists an 1890 P/L restrike). Only the Calcutta mint produced coins from 1890 to 1901.
Coins minted from 1862 through 1873 all have the date 1862.
The legend reads "Victoria Queen" for coins dated 1862 - 1876.
It reads "Victoria Empress" for coins dated 1877-1901.
1/2 ANNA
The 1/2 Anna was only minted for a few years (through 1877)
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1/4 ANNA
The 1/4 Anna was minted through 1901. The Madras mint only made 1862 coins, while the Bombay mint was used through 1889. Only the Calcutta mint produced coins from 1890 to 1901.
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1/2 PICE
The legend reads "Victoria Queen" for coins dated 1862, the only year this design was minted for circulation.
It reads "Victoria Empress" for coins dated 1885-1901.
The 1/2 Pice saw limited minting, with no coins minted for circulation between 1862 and 1885. The Madras mint only made 1862 coins. The Calcutta mint was the only other mint used, and it produced coins from 1862-1901.
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1/12 ANNA
The 1/12 Anna was minted through 1901. The Madras mint only made 1862 coins, while the Bombay mint was used through 1889 (Krauss lists an 1890 P/L restrike). Only the Calcutta mint produced coins from 1890 to 1901.
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