The most important of the
various East India companies, this company was a major force in the history
of India for more than 200 years. The original charter was granted by Queen
Elizabeth I on December 31, 1600, under the title of "The Governor and
Company of Merchants of London Trading into the East Indies". The company
was granted a monopoly of trade in Asia, Africa, and America, with the
formal restriction that it might not contest the prior trading rights of
"any Christian prince". The company was managed by a governor and 24
directors chosen from its stockholders. In early voyages it penetrated as
far as Japan, and in 1610 and 1611 its first factories, or trading posts,
were established in India in the provinces of Madras and Bombay. Under a
perpetual charter granted in 1609 by King James I, the company began to
compete with the Dutch trading monopoly in the Malay Archipelago, but after
the massacre of Amboina the company conceded to the Dutch the area that
became known as the Netherlands East Indies. Its armed merchantmen, however,
continued to attack Dutch, French, and Portuguese competitors. In 1650 and
1655 the company absorbed rival companies that had been incorporated under
the Commonwealth and Protectorate by Oliver Cromwell. In 1657 Cromwell
ordered it reorganized as the sole joint-stock company with rights to the
Indian trade. In the reign of Charles II the company acquired sovereign
rights in addition to its trading privileges. In 1689, with the
establishment of administrative districts called presidencies in the Indian
provinces of Bengal, Madras, and Bombay, the company began its long rule in
India. Silk, spices, cotton, and indigo were among the treasures brought
back to Europe. It was continually harassed by traders who were not members
of the company and were not licensed by the Crown to trade. In 1698, under a
parliamentary ruling in favour of free trade, these private newcomers were
able to set up a new company, called the New Company or English Company. The
East India Company, however, bought control of this upstart, and in 1708 an
act of Parliament amalgamated the two as "The United Company of Merchants of
England Trading to the East Indies". The charter was renewed several times
in the 18th century, each time with financial concessions to the Crown. The
victories of Robert Clive, a company official, over the French at Arcot in
1751 and at Plassey in 1757 made the company the dominant power in India.
All European rivalry vanished with the defeat of the French at Pondicherry
in 1761. In 1773 the British government established a governor-generalship
in India, thereby greatly decreasing administrative control by the company;
however, its governor of Bengal, Warren Hastings, became the first
governor-general of India. In 1784 the India Act created a department of the
British government to exercise political, military, and financial control
over the Indian affairs of the company, and for the next half century
British control was extended over most of the subcontinent. In 1813 the
company’s monopoly of the Indian trade was abolished, and in 1833 it lost
its China trade monopoly. Its annual dividends of 10.5 per cent were made a
fixed charge on Indian revenues. The company continued its administrative
functions until the Indian Mutiny (1857-1859), a widespread revolt that
began with the Indian soldiers in the company’s Bengal army. In 1858, by the
Act for the Better Government of India, the Crown assumed all governmental
responsibilities held by the company, and its 24,000-man military force was
incorporated into the British army. The company was dissolved on January 1,
1874, when the East India Stock Dividend Redemption Act came into effect.
Governor General (1773 - 1833)
Below is the list of Governor General of Fort
William in Bengal according to the Regulating Act of 1773. These
Governor Generals are also known as the Governor General of British East
India Company from 1773 to 1833.
Warren
Hastings.....................................20 Oct 1774 - 01 Feb 1785
Sir John
Macpherson (acting)........................01
Feb 1785 - 12 Sep 1786
Charles Cornwallis
Earl Cornwallis (1st
time).......12
Sep 1786 - 28 Oct 1793
Sir John Shore
(Lord Teignmouth)....................28 Oct 1793 - Mar 1798
Sir Alured Clarke
(acting).............................Mar
1798 - 18 May 1798
Richard Colley
Wellesley, Baron Wellesley...........18 May 1798 - 30 Jul 1805
From 1799, Richard
Colley Wellesley, Marquess Wellesley, Earl of Mornington.
Charles
Cornwallis, Marquess Cornwallis (2nd
time)..30 Jul
1805 - 05 Oct 1805
Sir George Hilario
Barlow (acting)..................10
Oct 1805 - 31 Jul 1807
Gilbert
Elliot-Murray-Kynynmound, Baron Minto.......31 Jul 1807 - 04 Oct 1813
Also known as Baron Minto
(1st Earl of) Minto.
Francis Rawdon-Hasting,
Earl of Moira...............04 Oct 1813 - 09 Jan 1823
From 1817, Francis
Rawdon-Hasting, Marquess of Hastings.
John Adam (acting)..................................09
Jan 1823 - 01 Aug 1823
William Pitt
Amherst, Baron Amherst.................01 Aug 1823 - 13 Mar 1828
From 1826, William Pitt
Amherst, Earl Amherst.
William
Butterworth Bayley (acting).................13
Mar 1828 - 04 Jul 1828
William Henry
Cavendish-Bentinck, Lord Bentinck.....04 Jul 1828 - 1833
He continued as Governor General of India
until 20 Mar 1835 according to Charter Act of 1833.
Bengal
Presidency
In 1633 a group of 8
Englishmen obtained a permit to trade in Bengal from the Nawab of Orissa.
Shortly thereafter trading factories were established at Balasore and
Hariharpur. Although greater trading privileges were granted to the East
India Company by the Emperor Shah Jahan in 1634. By 1642 the two original
factories were abandoned. In 1651, through an English surgeon named
Broughton, a permit was acquired to trade at Benegal. Hugli was the first
location, followed by Kasimbazar, Balasore and Patna (the last three in
1653). Calcutta became of increasing importance in this area and on December
20, 1699 Calcutta was declared a presidency and renamed Fort Wililam. During
these times there were many conflicts with the Nawab, both diplomatic and
military and the ultimate outcome was the intervention of Clive and the
restoration of Calcutta as an important trading center. During the earlier
trading times in Bengal most of the monies used were imported Rupees from
the Madras factory. These were primarily of the Arcot type. After Clive's
victory one of the concessions in the peace treaty was the right to make
Mughal type coinage. The Nawab gave specific details as to what from the
coinage should take. In 1766 Emperor Shah Alam gave the East India Company
possession in Bengal, Orissa and Bihar. This made the company nominally
responsible only to the Empeeror. In 1777 the "Frozen Year 19" of Shah Alam
Rupees were made at Calcutta and were continued until 1835. The Arcot Rupees
were discontinued at Calcutta about 1777. Coins of Bengal Presidency were
produced from ca. 1642 to 1835.
KM59 Half Anna.
Year:
ND (1831-1835).
Weight: 12.48g [12.96].
Metal: Copper.
Diameter:
27.00 mm. Edge:
Plain.
Alignment: Medal, slightly rotated.
Mint: Calcutta.
Obverse:
The value in English: HALF ANNA and Bengali (Bengali = Adha ana =
Half Anna).
Reverse:
The value in two languages: Persian: Nim ana and in Nagari: Adha ana
(= Half Anna).
Mintage: N/A.
Mintage Years:
One year type.
KM#65 Trisul Pice.
Year:
ND (1820-1824).
Weight: 6.04g.
Metal: Copper.
Diameter:
23.00 mm. Edge:
Plain.
Alignment: Medal.
Mint: Farrukhabad.
Obverse:
Trisul (trident) symbol. Sana julus 45 Shah Alam badshah (in the
45th year of the Emperor Shah Alam).
Reverse:
Trisul (trident) symbol. Value in Persian and Hindi: Ek pai sicca =
One pai.
Mintage: N/A.
Mintage Years:
One year type.
Note: Other varieties also exists,
minted in Sagar like KM#71 as 1st issue with size 21-22 mm ND
(1826-1833), KM#72 as 2nd issue with obverse having 6-petalled
rosette replacing the trident with size 21-22 mm ND (1833) and
KM#A65 as 3rd issue with obverse having six pointed star replacing
the trident with size 22-24 mm ND (1834-1835).
Bombay
Presidency
Following a naval victory
over the Portuguese on December 24, 1612, negotiations were started
developed into the opening of the first East India Company factory at Surat
in 1613. Silver coins of the New World as well as various other foreign
coins were used in early trade. Within the decade the Mughal mint at Surat
was melting all of these foreign coins and re-minting them as various
denominations of Mughal coinage. Bombay became an English holding as part of
the dowry of Catherine of Braganza, Princess of Portugal when she was
betrothed to Charles II of England. Also including in the dowry was Tangier
and $500,000. With this acquisition the trading center of the Indian West
Coast moved from Surat to Bombay. Possession of Bombay island took place on
February 08, 1665 and by 1672 the East India Company had a mint in Bombay to
serve their trading interests. European designed coins were struck here
until 1717. Experimental issues of Mughal style Rupees with regnal years
pertaining to the reigns of James II and William and Mary were made in
1693-1694. From 1717 to 1778, the Mughal style Bombay Rupee was the
principal coin of the West India trade, although bulk foreign coins were
used for striking Rupees at Surat. After the East India Company took over
the city of Surat in 1800, they slowed the mint production and finally
transferred all activity to Bombay in 1815. Bombay presidency coins were
produced from 1672 to 1835. Bombay is known as Mumbai these days.
KM#189 2 Pice (Double Pice).
Year:
1773.
Weight: 10.11g [10.28g].
Metal: Copper.
Diameter:
21.00 mm. Edge:
Plain.
Alignment:
Rotated.
Mint: Bombay.
Obverse:
Large crown divides G-R at top, "BOMB" written below with date 1773.
Reverse:
United East India Company Bale mark.
Mintage: N/A.
Mintage Years:
One year type.
The letters in the balemark may be arranged in the usual way, or the
E and the I may be transposed.
KM#195 1˝ Pice / 6 Reas.
Year:
1791.
Weight: 9.79g [official: 9.71g, but can
be 8.74g - 10.48g].
Metal: Copper.
Diameter:
28.50 mm [27.40 - 28.80 mm]. Edge:
Oblique milling (Grained right).
Alignment: Coin.
Mint: Soho.
Obverse:
United East India Company Bale mark.
Reverse: Balanced Scales with Persian
inscription "Adil" (Justice) written between pans.
Mintage: 2,690,351.
Mintage Years:
1791 and 1794.
Note: There may
or may not be a tiny dot below the letter V in the shield. The
holders (looking like tassels), from which the chains are suspended,
vary in sizes (Narrow to Wide). The pointed rod, pointing downwards
in the center of the balanced scale also varies. 1791 dated coins also exists as
KM#195a proof in Copper Gilt metal and KM#194 in copper but with
small scales and vertical milling.
KM#261 Pie.
Year:
1833- AH1248.
Weight: 2.10g [2.16g].
Metal: Copper.
Diameter:
12.50 mm. Edge:
Plain.
Alignment: Coin.
Mint: Calcutta.
Obverse:
Loin above shield with date 1833.
The arms of the Company. On the ribbon is the legend: AUSP:REG &
SEN:ANG:
Reverse: Balanced scales with Persian
legend between the pans (translation = Adil = just or fair). The
value above: PIE, AH date (1248) in Arabic figures below. Large legends
with Letters size 1.2 mm.
Mintage: N/A.
Mintage Years:
One year type.
Width of Rim can be Narrow or Broad.
KM#262 Pie.
Year:
1833- AH1248.
Weight: 2.15g [2.16g].
Metal: Copper.
Diameter:
12.50 mm. Edge:
Plain.
Alignment: Coin.
Mint: Calcutta.
Obverse:
Loin above shield with date 1833. The arms of the Company. On the
ribbon is the legend: AUSP:REG & SEN:ANG:
Reverse: Balanced scales with Persian
legend between the pans (translation = Adil = just or fair). The
value above: PIE, AH date (1248) in Arabic figures below. Small legends
with Letters size 0.8 mm.
Mintage: N/A.
Mintage Years:
One year type.
Width of Rim can be Narrow or Broad.
KM#232 Quarter Anna.
Year:
1833- AH1249.
Weight: 6.37g.
Metal: Copper.
Diameter:
25.00 mm. Edge:
Plain.
Alignment: Coin.
Mint: Calcutta.
Obverse:
The arms of the Company. On the ribbon is the motto: AUSP:REG &
SEN:ANG:
Flat shield without E.I.C.
legend with date 1833.
Reverse: Balanced scales with Persian
legend between the pans (translation = Adil = just or fair). The
value above: QUARTER ANNA, AH date in Arabic figures below (=1249).
Letters size 1.5 mm.
Mintage: N/A.
Mintage Years:
One year type.
Note: The shield
may be large or small. The rim may be broad, normal or narrow. May
be as 1830-1833 design issue. Size of letters may be 1 mm or 1.5 mm
for legends "QUARTER ANNA".
Madras
Presidency
English trade was begun on
the east coast of India in 1611. The first factory was at Mazulipatam and
was maintained intermittently until modern times. Madras was founded in 1639
and Fort St. George was made the chief factory on the east coast in 1641. A
mint was established at Fort St. George where coins of the style of
Vijayanagar were struck. The Madras mint begun minting copper coins after
the renovation. In 1689 silver fanams were authorized to be struck by the
new Board of Directors. In 1692 the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb gave permission
for Mughal type Rupees to be struck at Madras. These circulated locally and
were also send to Bengal. The chief competition for the Madras coins were
the Arcot Rupees. Some of the bulk coins from Madras were sent to the Nawabs
mint to be made into Arcot Rupees. In 1742 the East India Company applied
for and received permission to make their own Arcot Rupees. Coining
operations ceased in Madras un 1869. Madreas presidency coins were produced
from ca. 1660 to 1835.
KM#320 10 Cash / 2 Falus.
Year: 1808.
Weight: 4.31g [4.66g].
Metal: Copper.
Diameter:
25.80 mm. Edge:
Plain.
Alignment: Coin.
Mint: Soho.
Obverse:
Arms of the Company with the date below and the legend above. EAST
INDIA COMPANY On the ribbon is the inscription: AUSPICIO REGIS &
SENATUS ANGLIAE.
Reverse: The value in Persian: dah kas
do falus ast = Ten cash make two falus. Below this is the value in
English: X . CASH.
Mintage: N/A.
Mintage Years:
One year type.
Note: Heavy issue of 6.47g is also
listed as KM# 319 dated 1803 and 1808.
Note: Pridmore
classifies the weights of these coins as heavy issue 1803 and 1808
(6.47g) and a light issue of 1808 (4.66g). However the weights vary
in a more complicated way than this. An example of the light issue
exists, dated 1803, and there are both intermediate weight coins
(5.35g) and very light weight coins (3.36g) dated 1808. Nice salvaged and cleaned examples from the
Admiral Gardner ship are commonly known. This English East India
Company ship that sank on the sands of South Foreland on January 24,
1809 with seven crewmen and a cargo of coins for nearly 200 years.
The ship along with its sister ship Britannia was on its way to
India to pay the workers in Bengal and Madras when a severe storm
ran her aground.
KM#408 1/8 Rupee.
Year: AH 1172 RY6.
Weight: 1.42g [1.46g].
Metal: Silver.
Diameter:
13.50 mm. Edge:
Oblique milling.
Alignment: Medal.
Mint: Arcot.
Obverse:
Persian legend: 1172 Sikka Badshah Alamgir = 1172 Money of the
Emperor Alamgir.
Reverse:
Open lotus. Persian legend: Zarb Arcat sanat 6 = Struck at Arcot in
his 6th year.
Mintage: N/A.
Mintage Years:
One year type but minted during 1812-1817.
Note: Closed
lotus form also exists with the same date and reignal year as KM#412
minted 1817-1835.
KM#424 1/8 Rupee.
Year: AH 1172 RY6.
Weight: 1.44g [1.46g].
Metal: Silver.
Diameter:
13.50 mm. Edge:
Oblique milling.
Alignment: Medal.
Mint: Arcot.
Obverse:
Persian legend: 1172 Sikka Badshah Alamgir = 1172 Money of the
Emperor Alamgir.
Reverse:
Rose. Persian legend: Zarb Arcat sanat 6 = Struck at Arcot in his
6th year.
Mintage: N/A.
Mintage Years:
One year type but minted during 1823-1825.
KM#422 5 Rupee.
Year: ND (1820).
Weight: 3.87g [3.88g].
Metal: Gold.
Diameter:
19.50 mm. Edge:
Reeded.
Alignment: Medal.
Mint: Madras.
Obverse:
"English East India Company" with emblem.
Reverse: Ingarays Bahadur Comapany - Panj Rupaya (Brave English Company -
Five Rupees).
Mintage: 2,179,573.
Mintage Years:
One year type.
This coin occurs with four varieties. The size of lion and placement
of stop after COMPANY vary.
Governor General of India
Below is the list of Governor Generals of
India according to Charter Act of 1833.
William Henry
Cavendish-Bentinck, Lord Bentinck............1833 - 20 Mar 1835
Sir Charles
Theophilus (Lord) Metcalfe (acting).....20
Mar 1835 - 04 Mar 1836
George Eden, Baron
Auckland.........................04 Mar 1836 - 28 Feb 1842
From 1839, George Eden,
Earl of Auckland
Edward Law, Baron
(Earl of ) Ellenborough...........28 Feb 1842 - Jun 1844
William
Wilberforce Bird (acting)......................Jun
1844 - 23 Jul 1844
Sir Henry Hardinge..................................23
Jul 1844 - 12 Jan 1848
From May 1846, Viscount
Hardinge.
James Andrew Broun
Ramsay...........................12 Jan 1848 - 28 Feb 1856
From 1849, Marquess and
Earl of Dalhousie.
Charles John
Canning, Viscount Canning..............28 Feb 1856 - 30 Oct 1858
He continued as Governor General & Viceroy of
India until 21 Mar 1862. As East India Company was dissolved on 30 Oct
1858, Queen Victoria became the ruler of British India until her death
on 22 Jan 1901.
In 1833, the three
presidency was united as East India Company and started to produce one
common coinage. Monetary System:
Rupee = 64 Pice (Paisa) = 192 Pie. [Mohur (Ashrafi) = 15
Rupees]
1835 - coinage
during William IV
KM#445 1/12 Anna / Pie.
Year:
1835.
Weight: 1.97g.
Metal: Copper.
Diameter:
18.00 mm. Edge:
Plain.
Alignment: Medal.
Mint: Bombay.
Obverse:
Arms of the Company, with the date between the scroll and the
ribbon. The ribbon bears the abbreviated Latin motto: AUSP: REG: &
SEN: ANG: with date 1835.
Reverse: The Value in English and
Persian (Suls pai = One-third pice): 1/12 ANNA Within a laurel
wreath. Around this is the legend: EAST INDIA COMPANY. Large legends.
Mintage: 72,313,000.
Mintage Years:
One year type.
Note: Size differentiate between
Bombay, Calcutta and Madras mints.
KM#445 1/12 Anna / Pie.
Year:
1835.
Weight: 2.15g.
Metal: Copper.
Diameter:
17.85 mm [17.7 - 17.9]. Edge:
Plain.
Alignment: Medal.
Mint:
Madras.
Obverse:
Arms of the Company, with the date between the scroll and the
ribbon. The ribbon bears the abbreviated Latin motto: AUSP: REG: &
SEN: ANG: with date 1835.
Reverse: The Value in English and
Persian (Suls pai = One-third pice): 1/12 ANNA Within a laurel
wreath. Around this is the legend: EAST INDIA COMPANY. Small legends.
Mintage: 133,788,000.
Mintage Years:
One year type.
Note: Calcutta mint coins are with 17.5 mm
were produced in 1835 and 1848.
Differences in
Quarter Anna 1835 coins:
Diameter of the coin: Size differentiate between
Bombay: 25.2 mm (Mintage: 36,766,903), Calcutta: 26.2 mm (Mintage:
755,059,377) and Madras: 25.5 mm (Mintage: 186,529,741). 1849 date is known without any mint
details. There is only one type for Bombay mint, two varieties of
Calcutta mint and seven varieties for Madras.
The numeral 1 in the date may
have a flat top (F) or a sloping top (S). There are other
differences e.g. ornament below shield is attached to the shield
on sloping top variety but detached on flat top variety.
The ribs of the lions also
differ: Less clear ribs or very clear ribs.
The number of berries in wreath may
vary:
30 (15L;15R) for Bombay,
18 (9L;9R) or 17 (8L;9R) for Calcutta.
27 (13L;14R), 24 (13L;11R), 23 (12L;11R) or 18 (9L;9R) for
Madras
Loops of Ribbon: Large, Small
and Smallest.
Y of COMPANY: The Y of COMPANY
may point above a berry in the wreath, at a berry in the wreath,
or below a berry.
Ribbon Ends: The ends of the
ribbon below the bow may be forked or pointed.
Wreath tip leaves: The number
of leaves in the wreath tip may be 3 or 4.
Alignment: The 1835 dated coins
exists in both medal and coin rotations.
Full stop after COMPANY: Bombay
mint only.
KM#446.2 Quarter Anna.
Year:
1835.
Weight: 5.97g [6.47g].
Metal: Copper.
Diameter:
26.20 mm. Edge:
Plain.
Alignment: Medal.
Mint:
Calcutta.
Obverse:
Arms of the Company, with the date between the scroll and the
ribbon. The ribbon bears the abbreviated Latin motto: AUSP: REG: &
SEN: ANG:
Reverse: The value within a wreath of
laurel: ONE QUARTER ANNA. Between the tips of the wreath is the
value in Persian (Yek Pai = One Pice): Around this the legend: EAST
INDIA COMPANY Small legends.
Mintage: 755,059,377 (including below
variety).
Mintage Years:
One year type.
Note: Sloping 1 in date. Not clear
ribs of the lion. Berries: 17 (8L;9R). Loop of Ribbon: Small. Y in
COMPANY above berry. Ribbon Ends: Pointed. 3 leaves in Wreath tip
leaves.
Note: Sloping 1 in date. No ribs of
the lion. Berries: 18 (9L;9R).
Loop of Ribbon: Small. Y in COMPANY above berry. Ribbon Ends:
Pointed. 3 leaves in Wreath tip leaves.
KM#446.2 Quarter Anna.
Year:
1835.
Weight: 6.41g [6.47g].
Metal: Copper.
Diameter:
25.50 mm. Edge:
Plain.
Alignment: Medal.
Mint:
Madras.
Obverse:
Arms of the Company, with the date between the scroll and the
ribbon. The ribbon bears the abbreviated Latin motto: AUSP: REG: &
SEN: ANG:
Reverse: The value within a wreath of
laurel: ONE QUARTER ANNA. Between the tips of the wreath is the
value in Persian (Yek Pai = One Pice): Around this the legend: EAST
INDIA COMPANY. Small legends.
Mintage: 186,529,741 (including six
other varieties).
Mintage Years:
One year type.
Note: Sloping 1 in date. Very clear
ribs of the lion. Berries: 23 (12L;11R). Loop of Ribbon: Small. Y in
COMPANY below berry. Ribbon Ends: Pointed. 3 leaves in Wreath tip
leaves.
Note: Sloping 1 in date. Very clear
ribs of the lion.
Berries: 18 (9L;9R). Loop of Ribbon: Small.
Y in COMPANY at berry. Ribbon Ends: Pointed. 3 leaves in Wreath tip
leaves.
KM#447.1 Half Anna.
Year:
1835.
Weight: 12.28g [12.95g].
Metal: Copper.
Diameter:
29.70 mm. Edge:
Plain.
Alignment: Medal.
Mint:
Bombay.
Obverse:
Arms of the Company. Date between the scroll and the ribbon. The
motto on the ribbon: AUSP: REG: & SEN: ANG:
Reverse: The value within a wreath of
laurel: ONE ANNA. Between the tips of the wreath is the value in
Persian (Do pai = two pice). Around this the legend: EAST INDIA
COMPANY.
Mintage: 8,658,092.
Mintage Years:
One year type with 1845 dated at Calcutta.
Same as below coin with one slightly
rotated side as shown with weight 12.84g.
Note: Bombay coin size is 29.5 to 30.5 mm, Calcutta 30.8 mm
and Madras 30.7 to 31.2 mm. Normal and wider rim exists for all
these three mints. Calcutta mint has reeded edge with beaded rim
while Bombay and Madras have plain edge with plain border.
Differences in
Quarter Rupee 1835 coins:
Types:
Bombay Mint: No initial on neck
with 20 berries. ANNA word in Hindi. Mintage: 5,759,761.
Calcutta Mint: RS on neck with
20 berries. ANNA word with Hindi or Persian. Mintage: 921,840.
Calcutta Mint: F incuse or F
relief on neck, 20, 19, 18 or 10 berries exists. Mintage:
9,841,680.
Date numeral: The date
numerals may be small or large.
Language of value: The word:
ANNA may be in Hindi or Persian for 20 berries issues only.
Dot after date: There may or
may not be a dot after the date.
The number of berries in wreath may
vary: 20 (10L;10R), 19 (10L;9R), 18 (10L;8R) or 10
(6L;4R). Bombay mint contains only 20 berries while Calcutta
mint has all four varieties.
Initials on bust: There may or
may not be initials in the centre of the truncation of the bust.
Initials on bust can be R.S, F incuse or F relief.
Note: The quarter rupees were
proclaimed current at the same time as the rupees in September 1835.
KM#448.6 Quarter Rupee.
Year:
1835.
Weight: 2.75g [2.92g].
Metal: 0.917
Silver.
Diameter:
19.00 mm. Edge:
Reeded.
Alignment: Medal.
Mint:
Calcutta.
Obverse:
The value in English and Persian (Chahar ana = Four annas): RUPEE
Within a wreath of laurel. Around this the legend: EAST INDIA
COMPANY 1835. 18 berries (10L;8R).
Reverse: Head of the King facing right.
Divided legend: WILLIAM IIII, KING.
Mintage: N/A.
Mintage Years:
One year type.
Note: The type should have in obverse
side "F" in relief truncation, which could not be detected.
Same as above coin with 18 berries. Could not detect the
F in relief truncation. Weight 2.83g.
Differences in
Half Rupee 1835 coins:
Types:
Bombay Mint: No initial on neck
with 20 berries. Mintage: 3,572,756.
Calcutta Mint: RS on neck with
21 berries. Mintage: 521,380.
Calcutta Mint: F incuse or F
relief on neck, 21, 20 or 19 berries exists. Mintage: 6,700,099.
The number of berries in wreath may
vary: 21 (11L;10R), 20 (10L;10R) and 19 (9L;10R). Bombay
mint contains only 20 berries while Calcutta mint has all three varieties.
Initials on bust: There may or
may not be initials in the centre of the truncation of the bust.
Initials on bust can be R.S, F incuse or F relief.
Note: The half rupees were
proclaimed current at the same time as the rupees in September 1835.
KM#449.1 Half Rupee.
Year:
1835.
Weight: 5.70g [5.83g].
Metal: 0.917
Silver.
Diameter:
24.50 mm. Edge:
Reeded.
Alignment: Medal but reverse side is
slightly rotated showing the bust downwards.
Mint:
Bombay.
Obverse:
The value in English and Persian (Hasht ana = Eight annas): HALF
RUPEE Within a wreath of laurel. Around this the legend: EAST INDIA
COMPANY 1835.
20 berries (10L;10R).
Reverse: Head of the King facing right.
Surrounded by the divided legend: WILLIAM IIII, KING.
Mintage: 3,572,756.
Mintage Years:
One year type.
Some of the
features to distinguish the types in William IV Rupees.
Rupees were authorized by
Act XVII, dated 17th August 1835, and details were announced by proclamation
dated 2nd September 1835. With the accession of Queen Victoria in 1837, a
new act, XXXI, 1837, suspended those parts of Act XVII, 1835 that referred
to the issue of the coins with the effigy of the reigning monarch. Rupees
dated 1835 were issued from September 1835 until November 1840, when a
proclamation announced the restoration of Act XVII.
They were only issued from the mints of Bombay and Calcutta, although there
is an official return from the Madras mint claiming a mintage of 1.2 million
rupees bearing the date 1835. Designs for both the obverse and reverse were
prepared at Calcutta. The initials on the truncation of the neck refer to
the mint masters at Calcutta: RS = Robert Saunders (07.04.1826 to
04.01.1836), and F = William Forbes (05.1.1836 to 23.01.1855). Coins bearing
the initials F and RS can definitely be attributed to Calcutta. Pridmore
states that the ratio of 'F' to 'plain' rupees is approximately 2:1 and,
since the ratio of actual coins struck also occurs at this ratio, it is fair
to assume that the 'plain' bust belongs to Bombay.
The major die varieties are fairly easy to identify. However, there have
been a number of observations recording very small differences, particularly
referring to the mid-veins (or ribs) on various leaves in the reverse wreath
by various collectors.
Initials: None
Initials: F relief
Initials: F incuse
Initials: R.S.
Bud style.
Two leaves Style
Leaf group:
The second inner leaf group at the top right
of the wreath may look like a flower bud or like two leaves. It is
above E in ONE.
Wreath end very near.
Wreath end near.
Wreath Ends:
The distance between the ends of the wreath
can vary.
No Extra Berry.
Extra Berry.
Extra berry:
There may be an extra berry in the gap between
the leaves under the 2nd I of INDIA.
The gap between N and leaf
tip are near.
The gap between N and leaf tip are far.
Gap between Wreath & N:
The gap between the right corner of the N in
COMPANY, and the leaf tip and berry in the wreath, can vary.
KM#450.1 Rupee.
Year:
1835.
Weight: 11.40g [11.66g].
Metal: 0.917
Silver.
Diameter:
30.50 mm. Edge:
Reeded.
Alignment: Medal.
Mint:
Bombay.
Obverse:
The value in English and Persian: ONE RUPEE. All within a wreath of
laurel. Around this the legend: EAST INDIA COMPANY 1835. All within
a raised, toothed rim.
Reverse: Head of the King facing right.
Surrounded by the divided legend: WILLIAM IIII, KING. All within a
raised, toothed border.
No initial on truncation.
Mintage: 53,713,502.
Mintage Years:
One year type.
The above coin has
Two leaves in leaf group, Wreath end near, Extra Berry with gap
between N and leaf tip are far.
This coin also exists in thin legends.
KM#450.2 Rupee.
Year:
1835.
Weight: 11.51g [11.66g].
Metal: 0.917
Silver.
Diameter:
30.50 mm. Edge:
Reeded.
Alignment: Medal.
Mint:
Calcutta.
Obverse:
The value in English and Persian: ONE RUPEE. All within a wreath of
laurel. Around this the legend: EAST INDIA COMPANY 1835. All within
a raised, toothed rim.
Reverse: Head of the King facing right.
Surrounded by the divided legend: WILLIAM IIII, KING. All within a
raised, toothed border.
Raised F initial on truncation.
Mintage: 93,329,258 (including F
incuse, RS incuse and No initial with thin legends).
Mintage Years:
One year type.
The above coin has
Bud in leaf group, Wreath end very near, No Extra Berry with gap
between N and leaf tip are near.
Note: Thin dots in Persian one Rupee.
KM#450.3 Rupee.
Year:
1835.
Weight: 11.37g [11.66g].
Metal: 0.917
Silver.
Diameter:
30.50 mm. Edge:
Reeded.
Alignment: Medal.
Mint:
Calcutta.
Obverse:
The value in English and Persian: ONE RUPEE. All within a wreath of
laurel. Around this the legend: EAST INDIA COMPANY 1835. All within
a raised, toothed rim.
Reverse: Head of the King facing right.
Surrounded by the divided legend: WILLIAM IIII, KING. All within a
raised, toothed border.
F incuse initial on truncation.
Mintage: N/A (see above).
Mintage Years:
One year type.
The above coin has
Bud in leaf group, Wreath end near, No Extra Berry with gap between
N and leaf tip are far.
KM#450.4 Rupee.
Year:
1835.
Weight: 11.36g [11.66g].
Metal: 0.917
Silver.
Diameter:
30.50 mm. Edge:
Reeded.
Alignment: Medal.
Mint:
Calcutta.
Obverse:
The value in English and Persian: ONE RUPEE. All within a wreath of
laurel. Around this the legend: EAST INDIA COMPANY 1835. All within
a raised, toothed rim.
Reverse: Head of the King facing right.
Surrounded by the divided legend: WILLIAM IIII, KING. All within a
raised, toothed border.
RS initial on truncation.
Mintage: 15,758,812.
Mintage Years:
One year type.
The above coin has
Bud in leaf group, Wreath end very near, Extra Berry with gap
between N and leaf tip are far.
Note:
This coin also exists in thin legends as KM#450.7. The above mintage
includes both Thick and thin legends.
Coinage during
Queen Victoria
1840
Differences in
Quarter Rupee 1840 divided legends coins:
Initials on bust:
W.W. - [Bombay and Calcutta mints and slightly
larger ones by Madras mint]. Mintage: Calcutta: 32,012,400 and Bombay:
8,519,480.
W.W.S - [Madras mint] - Total Mintage for
Madras (including this and below type: 13,663,510.
W.W.B [Madras mint]
As with the rupee, the quarter rupee dies
had to be modified by Calcutta after the originals had been received
from London in 1849. Again, distinction between coins struck at
Bombay and Calcutta is not possible although Pridmore has raised the
possibility that the coins with a Serif on the 4 in the date may be
from Bombay and Sans Serif for Calcutta. There is no evidence to
support this. The tiny crescent mark on the bow is usually
quite clearly visible on some Serif variety. Madras mint coins have no Dot
after date, Serif Cross-bar of 4 and no Crescent on the bow of the
ribbon.
KM#454.2 Quarter Rupee.
Year:
1840.
Weight: 2.83g [2.92g].
Metal: 0.917
Silver.
Diameter:
19.00 mm. Edge:
Reeded.
Alignment: Medal.
Mint:
N/A.
Obverse: The value in English and
Persian (Chahar ana = four annas): RUPEE Within a wreath of laurel.
Around this the legend and date: EAST INDIA COMPANY 1840.
Reverse: Head of the Queen facing left.
Divided legend: VICTORIA QUEEN.
Mintage: N/A.
Mintage Years:
One year type and some plain and reeded edge
exists for 1849.
Note: W.W. truncation mark on the above
coin. Dot after date: No, Cross-bar of 4: Sans serif and Crescent:
No. All coins dated
1840 without dot after date have obverse legend "Victoria Queen"
divided.
Differences in Half Rupee 1840 Continuous legends coins:
Types:
Bombay Mint: No initial on
neck. English head. No privy mark on bow. Dot after date.
Mintage: 9,844,380.
Calcutta Mint: Mintage:
8,049,420 for both types indicated below.
No initial on neck. English head. Crescent privy mark on
bow. Dot after date.
No initial on neck. Indian head. Thinner features. Crescent
privy mark on bow. Dot after date.
Madras Mint: No initial on
neck. English head. Probably visible v privy mark on bow. Dot
after date. Mintage: 1,874,420.
Madras Mint: S initial on neck.
English head. v privy mark on bow. Dot after date. Mintage:
1,874,420.
Diameter:
Bombay Mint: 24.5 - 24.6 mm. Restrikes are an exception to this, often having
the diameter of the Bombay mint (where they were actually struck)
but having the design of another mint.
Calcutta Mint: 24.2 - 24.4 mm.
Madras mint: 24.7 - 24.9 mm.
Initials on bust: There may or
may not be initials on the truncation of the bust. The only
Initial is S incuse and so far no specimen is traced.
Style: The bust may have an
English or Indian appearance. The most notable distinguishing
feature is the nose.
Privy mark on Bow: There may be
a crescent or a v on the ribbon bow (images shown below under Rupee
coins). Only one specimen is found having the crescent.
Dot after date: There is
usually a dot after the date. Occasionally this dot is missing
and are considered MULE or rare samples.
Specimens of a half rupee were submitted
for approval on 25th February 1842, and these were received on 15th
March. As with the rupees, differences such as Indian / English
heads or presence or absence of crescent on ribbon on reverse, are
often difficult to identify.
KM#455.1 Half Rupee.
Year:
1840.
Weight: 5.58g [5.83g].
Metal: 0.917
Silver.
Diameter:
24.50 mm. Edge:
Reeded.
Alignment: Medal.
Mint:
Bombay.
Obverse:
The value in English and Persian (Hasht ana = eight annas): HALF
RUPEE Within a wreath of laurel. Around this the legend: EAST INDIA
COMPANY 1840.
Reverse: Head of the Queen facing left.
Surrounded by a continuous legend: VICTORIA QUEEN.
Mintage: 9,844,380.
Mintage Years:
One year type with various varieties and
mints.
Note:
No initials found as usually. English head. No privy mark on Bow.
There is dot after date.
Some of the
features to distinguish the types in Queen Victoria Rupees.
Victoria had acceded to
the throne in 1837 but the Calcutta Mint was not able to start work on dies
bearing the head of the new Queen until 1838, and even this work was
superseded by the arrival of the obverse matrix die in 03rd April 1839,
prepared under the inspection of Mr Boulton of Birmingham. This die proved
to be the wrong size and more work was required so that coins were not
issued until 1840. Meanwhile the Bombay Mint saw an opportunity to
re-establish to some extent, their independence from Calcutta and produced a
pattern for the new rupee coinage. The engraver of the die is not certainly
known but may have been Jewram Shamji, who was employed at the mint as a
die-cutter and also an engraver. Five specimens were sent to Calcutta in
February 1839, but the design was rejected by the Governor General who was
awaiting dies from England.
The new rupees
were announced by proclamation dated 18.11.1840. This stated that from and
after 11th November for Calcutta and from and after 1.4.1841 for Bombay and
Madras, the coins would bear the effigy of Queen Victoria. Striking of the
coins continued for a number of years until the matrix dies became worn. A
new design, the so-called 'divided legend' type, was prepared by William
Wyon and began to be used in Calcutta in 1850 and Bombay and Madras in 1851.
The obverse die for the Victorian coinage originated from a matrix die
prepared in England under the inspection of Mr. Boulton. This required some
local modifications, which were undertaken at Calcutta and then shipped to
Bombay and Madras. Some coins bear the initial S on the truncation of the
neck, and this is attributed to J. T. Smith, who was master of the mint at
Madras from February 1840 to September 1855. Coins with the S initial on the
bust, therefore, can be attributed to Madras. In addition, Pridmore uses two
privy marks to assign coins to the various mints. Some coins have a tiny
crescent on the left part of the ribbon bow on the reverse. These he assigns
to Calcutta. However, this mark is very difficult to see. Some coins have a
tiny v on the right part of the ribbon, and these he attributes to Madras.
Again, this mark is so tiny that it is difficult to see. However, using
these marks it is possible to determine that the diameter of the coins is an
easier guide to the mint of manufacture. Coins of 31.1 to 31.4 mm come from
Calcutta; 31.6 to 31.7 mm from Bombay; and 31.8 to 32.3 mm from Madras. As
stated above, the crescent on the bow on the reverse (see below), because it
is in relief, is often worn away, so its absence can be due to wear.
However, this feature has been included in the main part of the catalogue
because Pridmore has established it. The distinction between 'Indian' and
'English' heads is not easy to see, with the shape of the nose probably
being the best comparator (see pictures of obverse varieties). There are a
number of minor 'varieties' that have not been included in the catalogue,
such as reverse varieties identified by presence and absence of leaf veins,
simply because these minute differences are very hard to identify. All these
differences make the varieties difficult to distinguish one from another.
The simplest approach is probably to start with diameter and identify the
mint. This can then be followed by each of the features in the tables
showing obverse and reverse varieties. Proof restrikes were all struck at
the Bombay Mint and therefore diameters may not match design varieties.
M incuse variety of calcutta mint with 35 berries, sometimes appears like
'I' instead of 'M' incuse because the die became worn out as the large
number of coins were minted continuously with this die.
No initial
NO IMAGE AVAILABLE
S initial
Crescent Privy Mark
(Highlighted)
v Privy Mark
(Highlighted)
No Privy Mark
M incuse on left ribbon
end
Large Date Digits. Note
the 0 and serif on cross-bar of 4.
Small Date Digits. Note
the 0 and no serif on cross-bar of 4.
Bud above E in ONE
Two Leaves above E in ONE
34 Berries (Highlighted).
19 left and 15 right. Arrow shows the location of a special berry.
34 Berries (Highlighted).
19 left and 15 right. Arrow shows the location of a special berry
left of O in ONE.
35 berries variety coin
contains both of these special berries.
English Head
Indian Head
Various small difference exits like the nose style, bottom of the
bust, the neck alignment, the floating curl, forehead style, etc.
2 mm distance on the left side of the bust from the rim.
1 mm distance on the left side of the bust from
the rim.
No Hair on Ribbon
Hair on Ribbon
NO IMAGES AVAILABLE
There may or may not be
diagonal ridges on the top right and the bottom ribbons. The lock of
hair may or may not cross the ridge on the bottom ribbon.
NO IMAGES AVAILABLE
Rupee.
Year:
1840.
Weight: 11.66g.
Metal: 0.917
Silver.
Diameter:
31.10 - 32.20 mm. Edge:
Reeded.
Alignment: Medal.
Mint:
Bombay, Calcutta and Madras.
Obverse:
The value in English and Persian (Yek Rupiya = One rupee): ONE
RUPEE. All within a wreath of laurel. Around this the legend and date: EAST
INDIA COMPANY 1840. All within a raised, toothed rim.
Reverse: The head of the Queen facing
left. Continuous legend: VICTORIA QUEEN on the top of the bust.
Below are the various varieties recorded on continuous
legend of VICTORIA QUEEN:
Bombay Mint [Diameter = 31.6 - 31.7 mm,
Total Mintage = 109,838,073] - 3 types
Ridges on Ribbon:
None, Initials on
bust: None,
Point of Bust: 2mm,
Lock of Hair: No,
Head Type: English.
Berries in wreath: 19 (10L;9R),
Leaf group: Two Leaves,
Privy Mark: None,
Date Digits: Large.
Ridges on Ribbon:
None, Initials on
bust: None,
Point of Bust: 2mm,
Lock of Hair: No,
Head Type: English.
Berries in wreath: 19 (10L;9R),
Leaf group: Bud,
Privy Mark: None,
Date Digits: Large.
Ridges on Ribbon:
Present, Initials
on bust: None,
Point of Bust: 1mm,
Lock of Hair: Yes,
Head Type: English.
Berries in wreath: 35 (20L;15R),
Leaf group: Two Leaves,
Privy Mark: None,
Date Digits: Small.
Calcutta Mint [Diameter = 31.1 - 31.4 mm,
Total Mintage = 179,934,670] - 10 types
Ridges on Ribbon:
None, Initials on
bust: None,
Point of Bust: 2mm,
Lock of Hair: Yes,
Head Type: English.
Berries in wreath: 34 (19L;15R bead by
ONE), Leaf group:
Two Leaves, Privy
Mark: Crescent,
Date Digits: Small.
Ridges on Ribbon:
None, Initials on
bust: None,
Point of Bust: 2mm,
Lock of Hair: Yes,
Head Type: English.
Berries in wreath: 19 (10L;9R),
Leaf group: Two Leaves,
Privy Mark: None,
Date Digits: Large.
(this type are in Proof only - rare).
Ridges on Ribbon:
None, Initials on
bust: None,
Point of Bust: 2mm,
Lock of Hair: Yes,
Head Type: English.
Berries in wreath: 19 (10L;9R),
Leaf group: Bud,
Privy Mark: None (Crescent may be worn
away?), Date Digits:
Large.
Ridges on Ribbon:
None, Initials on
bust: None,
Point of Bust: 2mm,
Lock of Hair: No,
Head Type: English.
Berries in wreath: 19 (10L;9R),
Leaf group: Two Leaves,
Privy Mark: None (Crescent may be worn
away?), Date Digits:
Large.
Ridges on Ribbon:
None, Initials on
bust: None,
Point of Bust: 2mm,
Lock of Hair: No,
Head Type: English.
Berries in wreath: 19 (10L;9R),
Leaf group: Bud,
Privy Mark: Crescent,
Date Digits: Large.
Diameter: 31.60 mm.
Ridges on Ribbon:
None, Initials on
bust: None,
Point of Bust: 2mm,
Lock of Hair: No,
Head Type: English.
Berries in wreath: 34 (19L;15R bead by
ONE), Leaf group:
Two Leaves, Privy
Mark: Crescent,
Date Digits: Small.
(in Proof only - rare)
Ridges on Ribbon:
None, Initials on
bust: None,
Point of Bust: 1mm,
Lock of Hair: Yes,
Head Type: English.
Berries in wreath: 35 (20L;15R),
Leaf group: Two Leaves,
Privy Mark: None,
Date Digits: Small.
Ridges on Ribbon:
Present, Initials
on bust: None,
Point of Bust: 1mm,
Lock of Hair: Yes,
Head Type: Indian.
Berries in wreath: 35 (20L;15R),
Leaf group: Two Leaves,
Privy Mark: Crescent,
Date Digits: Small.
(Proof types also exits and are considered rare).
Ridges on Ribbon:
Present, Initials
on bust: None,
Point of Bust: 1mm,
Lock of Hair: Yes,
Head Type: Indian.
Berries in wreath: 34 (19L;15R bead by
ONE), Leaf group:
Two Leaves, Privy
Mark: Crescent,
Date Digits: Small.
(in Proof only - rare)
Ridges on Ribbon:
Present, Initials
on bust: None,
Point of Bust: 1mm,
Lock of Hair: Yes,
Head Type: English.
Berries in wreath: 35 (20L;15R),
Leaf group: Two Leaves,
Privy Mark: Crescent,
Date Digits: Small.
Madras Mint [Diameter
= 31.8 - 32.3 mm, Total Mintage =
21,898,181] - 6
types
Ridges on Ribbon:
None, Initials on
bust: None,
Point of Bust: 2mm,
Lock of Hair: No,
Head Type: English.
Berries in wreath: 19 (10L;9R),
Leaf group: Two Leaves,
Privy Mark: v,
Date Digits: Large.
Ridges on Ribbon:
None, Initials on
bust: S,
Point of Bust: 2mm,
Lock of Hair: No,
Head Type: English.
Berries in wreath: 19 (10L;9R),
Leaf group: Two Leaves,
Privy Mark: v,
Date Digits: Large.
Ridges on Ribbon:
None, Initials on
bust: S,
Point of Bust: 2mm,
Lock of Hair: No,
Head Type: English.
Berries in wreath: 19 (10L;9R),
Leaf group: Two Leaves,
Privy Mark: None,
Date Digits: Large.
(Proof types also exits and are considered rare).
Ridges on Ribbon:
None, Initials on
bust: S,
Point of Bust: 2mm,
Lock of Hair: No,
Head Type: English.
Berries in wreath: 20 (10L;10R),
Leaf group: Bud,
Privy Mark: None,
Date Digits: Large or Small ?.
Ridges on Ribbon:
None, Initials on
bust: S,
Point of Bust: 1mm,
Lock of Hair: Yes,
Head Type: English.
Berries in wreath: 35 (20L;15R),
Leaf group: Two Leaves,
Privy Mark: None,
Date Digits: Small.
Ridges on Ribbon:
None, Initials on
bust: S,
Point of Bust: 1mm,
Lock of Hair: Yes,
Head Type: English.
Berries in wreath: 34 (19L;15R lower
bead type), Leaf group:
Two Leaves, Privy
Mark: None,
Date Digits: Small.
Ridges on Ribbon:
None, Initials on
bust: None,
Point of Bust: 2mm,
Lock of Hair: No,
Head Type: English.
Berries in wreath: 19 (10L;9R),
Leaf group: Bud,
Privy Mark: None,
Date Digits: Large.
Small diamonds in Persian legend.
Surprising there is a dot between C and Queen Victoria's eye.
Ridges on Ribbon:
None, Initials on
bust: None,
Point of Bust: 2mm,
Lock of Hair: No,
Head Type: English.
Berries in wreath: 19 (10L;9R),
Leaf group: Bud,
Privy Mark: None,
Date Digits: Large.
Large diamonds in Persian legend.
Unknown countermark "B" on Queen Victoria's bust.
Ridges on Ribbon:
None, Initials on
bust: None,
Point of Bust: 2mm,
Lock of Hair: No,
Head Type: English.
Berries in wreath: 19 (10L;9R),
Leaf group: Bud,
Privy Mark: v,
Date Digits: Large.
Unlisted type as this coin has Bud
instead of Two Leaves.
Ridges on Ribbon:
Present, Initials
on bust: None,
Point of Bust: 1mm,
Lock of Hair: Yes,
Head Type: Indian.
Berries in wreath: 34 (19L;15R lower
bead type), Leaf group:
Two Leaves, Privy
Mark: Crescent,
Date Digits: Small
(Note the 0 and no serif on cross-bar of 4).
Unlisted type as Privy Mark:
Crescent, 34 berries (lower bead type instead of bead by ONE) and M incuse on left ribbon
end.
When Wyon's new matrices for the silver coinage
reached India in December 1849, work began immediately on preparing the
dies. However, problems were encountered with the convexity of the reverse
and this prevented the obverse being fully raised. New reverse dies were
therefore prepared, copied from Wyon's originals, and were completed in May
1850. The coins continued to show the fixed date of 1840. Dies were sent to
Bombay on 11th February 1851 and to Madras on 17th June 1851. Madras coins
are most easily distinguished by the presence of extra initials added after
W.W. on the truncation of the neck (W.W.S for J. T. Smith, W.W.B for J.H.
Bell? and W.W.BO for T. Boycott?). It is interesting to note that the
diameter of coins with the extra initial, and therefore from Madras, is
30.7-30.8mm, as opposed to 30.5-30.6mm for most coins with the simple W.W.
initials. However, there are a small number of coins with the W.W. initials
that have a diameter of 30.7mm. This would suggest that an extra initial was
not added to all Madras coins, and that diameter should be used to
distinguish the Madras coins from those struck at Bombay and Calcutta, and
that mint attribution should not rely solely on the presence or absence of
the extra initial. Therefore, an extra coin has been added to the catalogue.
NB Total Mintage = 767m. Calcutta = 399m [398,553,660] (52%), Bombay = 313m
[312,598,076] (41%), Madras
= 55m [55,049,201] (7%). Of the coins examined, those with diameter 30.5-30.6 = 54 coins
(90%), diameter 30.7-30.8 = 6 coins (10%). These figures support the
assertion that the coins with diameter 30.5-30.6 are those from Calcutta
plus Bombay and the larger coins are from Madras.
No marks have been identified to conclusively distinguish Calcutta minted
coins from those struck at Bombay, although some possible features have been
suggested such as the presence or absence of a raised mid-vein on the leaf
to the left of the ribbon on the reverse. The mints usually made their privy
marks clearer than this and the argument for this as the distinguishing mark
seems unconvincing. The shading on the ribbon on the reverse recorded by
Pridmore is very difficult to see. This feature has therefore been excluded
the catalogue. Many other minute differences can be identified such as
differences in the leaf veins. Again these have not been included in the
main part of the catalogue since they are too difficult to identify.
Initials on bust:
W.W. - [Bombay and Calcutta mints and slightly
larger ones by Madras mint]
W.W.S - [Madras mint]
W.W.B (large B) - [Madras mint]
W.W.B (Small B) - [Madras mint]
W.W.BO - [Madras mint]
W.W.B. (dot after B) - [Madras mint]
On both issues, the "S" is the initial of Major,
later Lt. Col. J. T. Smith, mintmaster at Madras from February 1840 to
September 1855. The "B" which occurs only on Rupees of Type II, is the
initial of Major, later Lt. Col. J. H. Bell (mintmaster at Madras,
1855-1859). The initials WW which appears on all coins of Type II, are those
of William Wyon. Chief Engraver of the Royal Mint, London, who prepare
obverse design in 1849.
KM#458.2 Rupee.
Year:
1840.
Weight: 11.52g [11.66g].
Metal: 0.917
Silver.
Diameter:
30.50 mm. Edge:
Reeded.
Alignment: Medal.
Mint:
Calcutta.
Obverse:
The value within a wreath of laurel: ONE RUPEE Around this is the
legend and date: EAST INDIA COMPANY 1840 All within a raised,
toothed rim. 28 berries with large diamonds
in Persian One Rupee.
Reverse: "Victoria Queen" divided by
bust facing left.
Mintage: 398,553,660 (including small
diamond varirty).
Mintage Years:
One year type with various varieties including
Bombay mint. 1849 date also exits as KM#458.8.
Note:
28 berries (13 on left and 15 on
right). KM#458.1 with small diamonds in Persian legends also exits.
Note:
Same as above coin but the Queen Victoria bust side shows some cracks, probably produced on broken die.
1841
Differences in Two Annas 1841 coins:
Types:
Bombay Mint: .W.W (Bombay mint
has dot before the Ws) initials on bust. Mintage: 8,427,040.
Calcutta Mint: W.W. initials on
bust. Mintage: 43,002,080.
Madras Mint: S.W.W initials on
bust. Mintage: 26,930,380.
Diameter:
Bombay Mint: 15.7 mm.
Calcutta Mint: 15.3 mm.
Madras mint: 15.7 mm.
The number of berries in wreath may
vary: 16 (?L;?R), 10 (6L;4R), 9 (5L;4R), 8 (4L;4R).
Bombay mint contains 9 or 10 berries, Calcutta mint contains 9
or 16 berries and Madras has 8 or 9 berries.
Dot after date: There may or
may not be a dot after the date.
Note: As with
the rupee, the two anna dies had to be modified by Calcutta after
the originals had been received from London in 1849.
KM#460.2 Two Annas.
Year:
1835.
Weight: 1.41g [1.46g].
Metal: 0.917
Silver.
Diameter:
15.30 mm. Edge:
Plain.
Alignment: Medal.
Mint:
Calcutta.
Obverse:
The value in English and Persian (= Do ana = two annas): TWO ANNAS.
All within a wreath of laurel. Around this the legend: EAST INDIA
COMPANY 1841.
Reverse: Head of the Queen facing left.
Divided legend: VICTORIA QUEEN.
Mintage: 43,002,080.
Mintage Years:
One year type.
Note: W.W. initial on truncation. No
dot after date. 9 Berries (5L;4R).
Same as above coin with weight 1.38g.
1845
Note: Between
1835 and 1844 copper coins continued to be issued in the style of
those of William IV, and continued to be dated 1835 (see above
William IV). Bombay had continued to strike coins in the pre
1835 style (i.e. with the scales design) and it was not until 1844
that the design was standardized throughout the EIC territories.
However, the coins issued by the Bombay Mint were dated 1835 in line
with those from the Madras Mint. In January 1845 permission was
granted for the Calcutta mint to strike half annas. These coins were
dated 1845 and the mint continued to issue them with this fixed date
until 1860.
Mintage: 7,788,197 with crossbar of
the Numeral 4 in Serif (pointing north upwards).
Mintage: 9,371,813 with crossbar of
the Numeral 4 in San Serif (pointing straight east).
KM#447.1 Half Anna.
Year:
1845.
Weight: 12.14g [12.95g].
Metal: Copper.
Diameter:
29.70 mm. Edge:
Plain.
Alignment: Medal.
Mint:
Calcutta.
Obverse:
Arms of the Company. Date between the scroll and the ribbon. The
motto on the ribbon: AUSP: REG: & SEN: ANG:
Reverse: The value within a wreath of
laurel: HALF ANNA. Between the tips of the wreath is the value in
Persian (Do pai = Two Pice). Around this is the legend: EAST INDIA
COMPANY.
Mintage: 9,371,813 (crossbar of the
Numeral 4 in San Serif).
Mintage Years:
1835 and 1845.
1853
In 1848, in response to the Court of Directors
request that copper coin be superseded by silver fractions of a
rupee, the Government of India produced a report that included,
inter alia, reference to the fact that cowrie shells still passed
current for small purchases in Bengal. The Directors, having read
this report, then revised their earlier view and suggested that a
further copper denomination of half pice should be added to the
coinage for use in Bengal. The Government of India agreed to this
and coinage started at the Calcutta mint in 1853, which is the fixed
date shown on the obverse of the coin.
KM#464 Half Pice.
Year:
1853.
Weight: 3.16g [3.23g].
Metal: Copper.
Diameter:
21.00 mm. Edge:
Plain.
Alignment: Medal.
Mint:
Calcutta.
Obverse:
Arms of the Company, with the date between the scroll and the
ribbon. The ribbon bears the abbreviated Latin motto: AUSP: REG: &
SEN: ANG:.
Reverse: The value within a laurel
wreath: PICE. Around this is the legend: EAST INDIA COMPANY.
Mintage: 62,408,000.
Mintage Years:
One year type.
1858
The inability of the Indian mints to meet the
enormous demand for coins led to a request for copper coins to be
struck in England. The Royal Mint was unable to meet these
requirements and contracts were placed with Ralph Heaton & Sons and
with James Watt & Co. for the supply of quarter annas. Dies for the
coinage were prepared in the Royal Mint.
1857 Quarter Anna coins produced by Soho Mint
in July 1857. Mintage:
47,040,000. The tips of the leaves may be formed from double
leaves or single leaves. This is most obvious at the tips of the
wreath.
1858 Quarter Anna coins produced by James Watt & Co.,
Birmingham in May 1860. Mintage: 62,720,000. The tips of the
leaves is formed of a single leaves only. Usually they have
large shield.
1858 Quarter Anna coins produced by Ralph Heaton & Sons,
Birmingham. Total Mintage: 172,480,000 (October 1859: 54,880,000, May 1860: 62,720,000, April? 1862:
54,880,000). The tips of the leaves may be formed from double
leaves or single leaves. Usually they have small shield.
KM#463.1 Quarter Anna.
Year:
1858.
Weight: 6.05g.
Metal: Copper.
Diameter:
25.00 mm. Edge:
Plain.
Alignment: Coin.
Mint:
James Watt & Co., Birmingham.
Obverse:
Arms of the Company, with the date between the scroll and the
ribbon. The ribbon bears the abbreviated Latin motto: AUSP: REG: &
SEN: ANG:
Large Shield with date. Wreath tips are single leaves.
Reverse: The value in Persian and
English: ONE QUARTER ANNA Within a wreath of laurel. Around this the
legend: EAST INDIA COMPANY.
Mintage: 62,720,000.
Mintage Years:
One year type, but wreath tips with double
leaves are produced by Ralph Heaton & Sons, Birmingham as KM#463.2.
Note: One of the
last coins of East India Company.
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