British India coinage under George VI 1938-1947.
 
After the death of King George V his son, King Edward VIII became the King, but abdicated before the coronation. No coins were minted using his portrait. His younger brother the Duke of York was crowned as King George VI in May 1937 and the first coin of India with his effigy was minted in 1938. After the outbreak of World War II in 1939, the price of silver started going up, in practice the silver coins became valuable then the value written on them. 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).

Mainly there is no mint mark for Calcutta, the Bombay issues have a small dot or diamond (commonly known as reverse B) under the lotus flower, near the bottom of the coin and the Lahore mint used a small "L" in the same position.
 
Currency: Rupee = 16 Annas = 64 Pice = 192 Pies (Mohur = 15 Rupees).
 
Distinguish between First Head with high relief and Second Head with low relief:
  • In First Head the two fleurs de lis on the royal crown are larger and extend upward to touch the beaded crest at the top of the crown, while the two fleurs de lis on the crown of the Second Head are smaller and extended upward to touch only the line on the crown below the beaded crest.
  • In First Head with high relief the lines coming upwards from the center of the crown are curved and touches the beads. Second Head with low relief has straight lines, coming upwards from the center of the crown and does not touch the beads.
  • First Head with high relief has large triangles on left and right in the center of the crown while there are smaller triangles for Second Head with low relief.
 
1/12 Anna (One Pie)
 
KM#526 1/12 ANNA (Pie). Weight: 1.62g. Metal: Bronze. Diameter: 17.5 mm. Edge: Plain. Alignment: Medal. Mint: Mumbai (Bombay) and Kolkata (Calcutta). Obverse: Date and denomination within circle, wreath surrounds. Reverse: Crowned bust facing left with legends "GEORGE VI KING EMPEROR". First Head, Small head, high relief, small triangles on left and right in the center of the crown. Mintage Years: Mumbai (Bombay): 1939 + Kolkata (Calcutta): 1938-1939 (1938 dated coins are in Proof only). 

Note: Kolkata (Calcutta) Mint issues have no mint mark. Mumbai (Bombay) Mint issues have a small raised dot below the date.
 

Year: 1939. Weight: 1.63g. Mint: Mumbai (Bombay). Mintage: 17,406,517.

Year: 1939. Weight: 1.60g. Mint: Kolkata (Calcutta). Mintage: 3,571,000.
 
KM#527 1/12 ANNA (Pie). Weight: 1.62g. Metal: Bronze. Diameter: 17.5 mm. Edge: Plain. Alignment: Medal. Mint: Mumbai (Bombay) and Kolkata (Calcutta). Obverse: Date and denomination within circle, wreath surrounds. Reverse: Crowned bust facing left with legends "GEORGE VI KING EMPEROR". Second Head, Small head, low relief, large triangles on left and right in the center of the crown. Mintage Years: Mumbai (Bombay): 1939 and 1941-1942 + Kolkata (Calcutta): 1938-1939 (1938 dated coins are only restrike issues). 

Note: Kolkata (Calcutta) Mint issues have no mint mark. Mumbai (Bombay) Mint issues have a small raised dot below the date except for those dated 1942 which have a dot on either side of ANNA and the date, and one dot after INDIA. Key date coin: 1939(C) with mintage: 5,245,000.
 

Year: 1941. Weight: 1.61g. Mint: Mumbai (Bombay). Mintage: 6,136,504.
 
 
1/2 Pice
 
KM#528 1/2 Pice. Weight: 2.43g. Metal: Bronze. Diameter: 21.0 mm. Edge: Plain. Alignment: Medal. Mint: Kolkata (Calcutta). Obverse: Date and denomination within circle, wreath surrounds. Reverse: Crowned bust facing left with legends "GEORGE VI KING EMPEROR". First Head, Small head, high relief, small triangles on left and right in the center of the crown. Mintage Years: Mumbai (Bombay): 1939 + Kolkata (Calcutta): 1938-1939 and 1940 (1938 coins only exits in Proof and as restrike issues).

Note: Kolkata (Calcutta) Mint issues have no mint mark. Mumbai (Bombay) Mint issues have a small raised dot below the date. KM#529 dated 1942 issued are in Proof and restrike and were minted by Mumbai (Bombay) mint. It has second head, small head with low relief and dots before and after the date.
 

Year: 1939. Weight: 2.37g. Mint: Mumbai (Bombay). Mintage: 9,343,063.

Year: 1939. Weight: 2.43g. Mint: Kolkata (Calcutta). Mintage: 17,356,800.

Year: 1940. Weight: 2.42g. Mint: Kolkata (Calcutta). Mintage: 23,769,600.
 
 
Quarter Anna (One Pice)
 
KM#530 Quarter Anna. Weight: 4.85g. Metal: Bronze. Diameter: 25.0 mm. Edge: Plain. Alignment: Medal. Mint: Mumbai (Bombay) and Kolkata (Calcutta). Obverse: Date and denomination within circle, wreath surrounds. Reverse: Crowned bust facing left with legends "GEORGE VI KING EMPEROR". First Head, Small head, high relief, small triangles on left and right in the center of the crown. Mintage Years: Mumbai (Bombay): 1938-1940 + Kolkata (Calcutta): 1938-1939.

Note: Kolkata (Calcutta) Mint issues have no mint mark. Mumbai (Bombay) Mint issues have a small raised dot above N in ONE.
 

Year: 1938. Weight: 4.82g. Mint: Mumbai (Bombay). Mintage: 16,796,000.

Note: Key date coin.

Year: 1939. Weight: 4.83g. Mint: Mumbai (Bombay). Mintage: 60,170,665.

Year: 1939. Weight: 4.77g. Mint: Kolkata (Calcutta). Mintage: 78,278,400.
 
KM#531 Quarter Anna. Weight: 4.86g. Metal: Bronze. Diameter: 25.0 mm. Edge: Plain. Alignment: Medal. Mint: Mumbai (Bombay) and Kolkata (Calcutta). Obverse: Date and denomination within circle, wreath surrounds. Reverse: Crowned bust facing left with legends "GEORGE VI KING EMPEROR". Second Head, Large head, low relief, large triangles on left and right in the center of the crown. Mintage Years: Mumbai (Bombay): 1940-1942 + Kolkata (Calcutta): 1940-1942.

Note: Kolkata (Calcutta) Mint issues have no mint mark. Mumbai (Bombay) Mint issues have a small raised dot above N in ONE.
 

Year: 1940. Weight: 4.82g. Mint: Mumbai (Bombay). Mintage: 116,720,919 (including 1940B of KM#530).

Year: 1940. Weight: 4.68g. Mint: Kolkata (Calcutta). Mintage: 140,409,600.

Year: 1941. Weight: 4.82g. Mint: Kolkata (Calcutta). Mintage: 121,107,200.
 
KM#533 Quarter Anna. Weight: 1.94g. Metal: Bronze. Diameter: 21.3 mm. Edge: Plain. Alignment: Medal. Mint:  Mumbai (Bombay), Kolkata (Calcutta), Lahore and Pretoria. Obverse: Central hole with imperial crown above. Around the upper half of the hole is the English legend divided by the crown: 1 PICE INDIA. Around the lower half is the value in Hindi (left) and Urdu (right) separated by the date in the center. All within a raised, toothed rim. Reverse: Around the central hole is a serpentine wreath of vine leaves. All within a raised, toothed rim. Mintage Years: Mumbai (Bombay): 1943-1945 and 1947 + Kolkata (Calcutta): 1943, 1945 and 1947 + Pretoria, South Africa: 1943-1944 + Lahore: 1944-1945.

Note: KM#532 has a small date, small legends, Round crown and were only produced by Mumbai (Bombay) mint. There are three types of the crown, which is on the obverse at the top and are designated as (RC) Round Crown, (HC) High Crown, and (FC) Flat Crown. The issues have the mint mark as follow:

  • Lahore, raised “L” below the date.
  • Kolkata (Calcutta) mint issues have no mint mark.
  • Pretoria, small round dot below the date.
  • Mumbai (Bombay), diamond dot or “large” round dot below the date. On the Mumbai (Bombay) issues dated 1944 the mint mark appears to be a large dot over a diamond.
 

Year: 1943. Weight: 1.93g. Mint: Mumbai (Bombay). Mintage: 164,659,200 (including Round Crown issues dated 1943).

Note: High Crown with large dot below the date.

Year: 1943. Weight: 1.89g. Mint: Pretoria. Mintage: 98,997,406.

Note: High Crown with small dot below the date.

Year: 1944. Weight: 1.89g. Mint: Mumbai (Bombay). Mintage: 195,353,600 (including below coin).

Note: High Crown with diamond below the date.

Year: 1944. Weight: 1.90g. Mint: Mumbai (Bombay). Mintage: N/A (see above coin).

Note: Flat Crown with large dot below the date.

Year: 1945. Weight: 1.98g. Mint: Mumbai (Bombay). Mintage: 237,196,800 (mintage included with below coin).

Note: Flat Crown with diamond below the date.

Year: 1945. Weight: 1.91g. Mint: Mumbai (Bombay). Mintage: N/A (see above coin).

Note: Flat Crown with large dot below the date.

Year: 1947. Weight: 1.90g. Mint: Mumbai (Bombay). Mintage: 43,654,000.

Note: High Crown with diamond below the date.
 
 
Half Anna
 
KM#534b.1 Quarter Anna. Weight: 2.92g. Metal: Nickel-Brass. Diameter: 17.30 - 19.90 mm. Edge: Plain. Alignment: Medal. Mint: Mumbai (Bombay). Obverse: 1/2 dividing the word AN NA and surrounded by the legend: INDIA with date. All within an ornamental square. Between each of the outer sides of the square and each corner of the rim is the value in native languages: Urdu, Telugu, Nagari and Bengali. Reverse: Crowned head of the King facing left and surrounded by the legend: GEORGE VI KING EMPEROR, within a raised and toothed circular border.
 Mintage Years: Mumbai (Bombay): 1942 and 1945 (restrike issues 1942-1945).

Note: Bombay mint struck only with the dates 1942 and 1945, denoted by INDIA without dots before and after. Calcutta also issued proof coins each year while Bombay issued none. Bombay later produced proof-like restrikes using old dies from Bombay and Calcutta indiscriminately; they are all attributed here to Bombay. Source: Pridmore.
 

Year: 1942. Weight: 2.89g. Mint: Mumbai (Bombay). Mintage: 7,944,994.

Note: Just for reference 1945 mintage: 6,264,000.
 
KM#534b.2 Quarter Anna. Weight: 2.87g. Metal: Nickel-Brass. Diameter: 17.30 x 17.30 mm. Edge: Plain. Alignment: Medal. Mint: Kolkata (Calcutta). Obverse: 1/2 dividing the word AN NA and surrounded by the legend: INDIA with date. All within an ornamental square. Between each of the outer sides of the square and each corner of the rim is the value in native languages: Urdu, Telugu, Nagari and Bengali. Reverse: Crowned head of the King facing left and surrounded by the legend: GEORGE VI KING EMPEROR, within a raised and toothed circular border.
 Mintage Years: Kolkata (Calcutta): 1942-1945 (KM#534 exists as Proof issue dated 1940 by Calcutta mint).

Note: The Calcutta Mint struck this denomination each year 1942-1945, denoted by a dot before and after the word INDIA. Calcutta also issued proof coins each year.
 

Year: 1943. Weight: 2.93g. Mint: Kolkata (Calcutta). Mintage: 437,760,000.

Note: Just for reference 1942 mintage: 159,000,000.

Year: 1944. Weight: 2.88g. Mint: Kolkata (Calcutta). Mintage: 514,800,000.

Year: 1945. Weight: 2.90g. Mint: Kolkata (Calcutta). Mintage: 215,732,000.
 
KM#535.2 Quarter Anna. Weight: 2.90g. Metal: Copper-Nickel. Diameter: 17.30 x 17.30 mm. Edge: Plain. Alignment: Medal. Mint: Kolkata (Calcutta). Obverse: 1/2 dividing the word AN NA and surrounded by the legend: INDIA with date. All within an ornamental square. Between each of the outer sides of the square and each corner of the rim is the value in native languages: Urdu, Telugu, Nagari and Bengali. Reverse: Crowned head of the King facing left and surrounded by the legend: GEORGE VI KING EMPEROR, within a raised and toothed circular border.
 Mintage Years: Kolkata (Calcutta): 1946-1947.

Note: The Calcutta Mint continued to issue this denomination with the dot before and after INDIA in 1946 and 1947. Mumbai (Bombay) also struck in 1946 and 1947 as KM#535.1, weighed 2.87g, the 1946 issue denoted by a small dot in the center of the dashes (the normal dash seen in Calcutta coins is actually split into two smaller dashes having a dot in between) before and after the date (as well as a dot before and after INDIA, like Calcutta); the characteristics of the 1947 Bombay issue have not been determined but are thought also to resemble the 1946 issue. This denomination is also reported to have been struck in a quantity of 50,829,000 pieces in 1946 at the new Lahore Mint but no way of distinguishing this issue has been found. The proof issue in 1946 was struck by Mumbai (Bombay), not Calcutta. Source: Pridmore.
 

Year: 1946. Weight: 2.84g. Mint: Kolkata (Calcutta). Mintage: 75,159,000.

Note: Just for reference, Bombay mintage: 48,744,000 and Lahore mintage: 50,829,000. There is no difference between Bombay and Lahore issues.

Year: 1947. Weight: 2.89g. Mint: Kolkata (Calcutta). Mintage: 126,392,000.

Note: Just for reference, Bombay mintage: 24,144,000.
 
 
One Anna
 
KM#536 One Anna. Weight: 3.88g. Metal: Copper-Nickel. Diameter: 21.0 mm - 12 sided shape. Edge: Plain. Alignment: Medal. Mint: Mumbai (Bombay) and Kolkata (Calcutta). Obverse: A large numeral 1 dividing the word ANNA. Above the numeral is the word INDIA and below is the date. All within a decorative diamond. Along each outer side of the diamond is the value in one of four native languages: Urdu, Telugu, Nagari and Bengali. Reverse: Crowned head of the King facing left surrounded by the legend: GEORGE VI KING EMPEROR. First small head with high relief and smaller triangles on left and right in the center of the crown. Mintage Years: Mumbai (Bombay): 1938-1940 + Kolkata (Calcutta): 1938-1940.

Note: Calcutta mint issues have no mint mark. Bombay mint have a small, raised bead or dot below the date. Key date coin: 1938(B) with mintage: 3,126,202.
 

Year: 1939. Weight: 3.84g. Mint: Mumbai (Bombay). Mintage: 36,156,637.
 
KM#537 One Anna. Weight: 3.88g. Metal: Copper-Nickel. Diameter: 21.0 mm - 12 sided shape. Edge: Plain. Alignment: Medal. Mint: Mumbai (Bombay) and Kolkata (Calcutta). Obverse: A large numeral 1 dividing the word ANNA. Above the numeral is the word INDIA and below is the date. All within a decorative diamond. Along each outer side of the diamond is the value in one of four native languages: Urdu, Telugu, Nagari and Bengali. Reverse: Crowned head of the King facing left surrounded by the legend: GEORGE VI KING EMPEROR. Second small head, low relief with large triangles on left and right in the center of the crown. Mintage Years: Mumbai (Bombay): 1940-1941 + Kolkata (Calcutta): 1940-1941.

Note: Calcutta mint issues have no mint mark. Bombay mint have a small, raised bead or dot below the date.
 

Year: 1940. Weight: 3.87g. Mint: Kolkata (Calcutta). Mintage: 76,392,000.

Note: Just for reference, Bombay mintage: 144,712,054.

Year: 1941. Weight: 3.85g. Mint: Mumbai (Bombay). Mintage: 40,169,575.

Year: 1941. Weight: 3.86g. Mint: Kolkata (Calcutta). Mintage: 62,480,000.
 
KM#537a One Anna. Weight: 3.88g. Metal: Nickel-Brass. Diameter: 21.0 mm - 12 sided shape. Edge: Plain. Alignment: Medal. Mint: Mumbai (Bombay) and Kolkata (Calcutta). Obverse: A large numeral 1 dividing the word ANNA. Above the numeral is the word INDIA and below is the date. All within a decorative diamond. Along each outer side of the diamond is the value in one of four native languages: Urdu, Telugu, Nagari and Bengali. Reverse: Crowned head of the King facing left surrounded by the legend: GEORGE VI KING EMPEROR. Second small head, low relief with large triangles on left and right in the center of the crown. Mintage Years: Mumbai (Bombay): 1942-1945 + Kolkata (Calcutta): 1942-1945.

Note: Calcutta mint issues have no mint mark. Bombay mint have a small, raised bead or dot below the date.
 

Year: 1942. Weight: 3.81g. Mint: Kolkata (Calcutta). Mintage: 194,056,000.

Year: 1943. Weight: 3.85g. Mint: Mumbai (Bombay). Mintage: 134,500,000.

Year: 1943. Weight: 3.92g. Mint: Kolkata (Calcutta). Mintage: 352,256,000.

Year: 1944. Weight: 3.71g. Mint: Mumbai (Bombay). Mintage: 175,208,000.

Year: 1944. Weight: 3.81g. Mint: Kolkata (Calcutta). Mintage: 457,608,000.
 
KM#538 One Anna. Weight: 3.88g. Metal: Copper-Nickel. Diameter: 21.0 mm - 12 sided shape. Edge: Plain. Alignment: Medal. Mint: Mumbai (Bombay), Kolkata (Calcutta) and Lahore. Obverse: A numeral 1 dividing the word ANNA. Above the numeral is the word INDIA and below is the date. All within a decorative diamond. Along each outer side of the diamond is the value in one of four native languages: Urdu, Telugu, Nagari and Bengali. Reverse: Crowned head of the King facing left surrounded by the legend: GEORGE VI KING EMPEROR. Second small head, low relief with large triangles on left and right in the center of the crown. Mintage Years: Mumbai (Bombay): 1946-1947 + Kolkata (Calcutta): 1946-1947 + Lahore: 1946 (mintage: 48,792,000).

Note: Calcutta mint issues have no mint mark. Bombay mint have a small, raised bead or dot below the date and Lahore mint have a "L" symbol. The numerical 1 on these coins are small than the above ones including KM#539 dated 1945. The difference between KM#538 (dated 1946-1947) and KM#539 (dated 1945) is that the 1945 issues have a larger second head and crown. The 1945 issues were produced both by Bombay and Calcutta mints.  

 

Year: 1946. Weight: 3.84g. Mint: Mumbai (Bombay). Mintage: 82,052,000.

Year: 1946. Weight: 3.83g. Mint: Kolkata (Calcutta). Mintage: 100,820,000.

Year: 1947. Weight: 3.86g. Mint: Mumbai (Bombay). Mintage: 50,096,000.
 
 
Two Annas
 
KM#540 Two Annas. Weight: 5.83g. Metal: Copper-Nickel. Diameter: 22.3 mm - 25.5 mm. Edge: Plain. Alignment: Medal. Mint: Mumbai (Bombay) and Kolkata (Calcutta). Obverse: A large numeral 2 dividing the word ANN AS. Below the 2 is the legend in two lines: INDIA with date. All this within a double quatrefoil. Within each scallop of the quatrefoil is the value in one of four native languages: Urdu, Telugu, Nagari and Bengali. Between the quatrefoil and each of the four corners of the rim is a winged ornament. Reverse: Crowned head of the King facing left surrounded by the legend: GEORGE VI KING EMPEROR. First small head with high relief and smaller triangles on left and right in the center of the crown. All this with a serrated circle. Outside the circle in each corner on a raised table is a winged ornament. Mintage Years: Mumbai (Bombay): 1939 + Kolkata (Calcutta): 1939.

Note: Kolkata (Calcutta) Mint issues have no mint mark. Mumbai (Bombay) Mint issues have a small dot before and after the date.
 

Year: 1939. Weight: 5.80g. Mint: Mumbai (Bombay). Mintage: 3,392,309.

Note: Just for reference, Calcutta mintage: 4,148,000.

 
KM#541 Two Annas. Weight: 5.83g. Metal: Copper-Nickel. Diameter: 22.3 mm - 25.5 mm. Edge: Plain. Alignment: Medal. Mint: Mumbai (Bombay) and Kolkata (Calcutta). Obverse: A large numeral 2 dividing the word ANN AS. Below the 2 is the legend in two lines: INDIA with date. All this within a double quatrefoil. Within each scallop of the quatrefoil is the value in one of four native languages: Urdu, Telugu, Nagari and Bengali. Between the quatrefoil and each of the four corners of the rim is a winged ornament. Reverse: Crowned head of the King facing left surrounded by the legend: GEORGE VI KING EMPEROR. Second small head, low relief, large crown and larger triangles on left and right in the center of the crown. All this with a serrated circle. Outside the circle in each corner on a raised table is a winged ornament. Mintage Years: Mumbai (Bombay): 1939-1941 + Kolkata (Calcutta): 1939-1941.

Note: Kolkata (Calcutta) Mint issues have no mint mark. Mumbai (Bombay) Mint issues have a small dot before and after the date.
 

Year: 1940. Weight: 5.75g. Mint: Mumbai (Bombay). Mintage: 50,599,037.

Year: 1940. Weight: 5.69g. Mint: Kolkata (Calcutta). Mintage: 37,636,000.

Year: 1941. Weight: 5.78g. Mint: Kolkata (Calcutta). Mintage: 63,456,000.
 
KM#541a Two Annas. Weight: 5.83g. Metal: Nickel-Brass. Diameter: 22.3 mm - 25.5 mm. Edge: Plain. Alignment: Medal. Mint: Mumbai (Bombay) and Lahore. Obverse: A large numeral 2 dividing the word ANN AS. Below the 2 is the legend in two lines: INDIA with date. All this within a double quatrefoil. Within each scallop of the quatrefoil is the value in one of four native languages: Urdu, Telugu, Nagari and Bengali. Between the quatrefoil and each of the four corners of the rim is a winged ornament. Reverse: Crowned head of the King facing left surrounded by the legend: GEORGE VI KING EMPEROR. Second small head, low relief, large crown and larger triangles on left and right in the center of the crown. All this with a serrated circle. Outside the circle in each corner on a raised table is a winged ornament. Mintage Years: Mumbai (Bombay): 1942-1944 + Lahore: 1944 (mintage: 6,352,000).

Note: Mumbai (Bombay) Mint issues have a small dot before and after the date. On 1944 Lahore issues, a tiny L replaces the decorative stroke in the 4 quatrefoil angles.

 

Year: 1943. Weight: 5.75g. Mint: Mumbai (Bombay). Mintage: 343,680,000.

Year: 1944. Weight: 5.56g. Mint: Mumbai (Bombay). Mintage: 219,700,000 (mintage also includes coins containing large 4).

Note: This coin has small 4 in date. Coins with large 4 also exists.
 
KM#542 Two Annas. Weight: 5.83g. Metal: Copper-Nickel. Diameter: 22.3 mm - 25.5 mm. Edge: Plain. Alignment: Medal. Mint: Mumbai (Bombay), Kolkata (Calcutta) and Lahore. Obverse: A large numeral 2 dividing the word ANN AS. Below the 2 is the legend in two lines: INDIA with date. All this within a double quatrefoil. Within each scallop of the quatrefoil is the value in one of four native languages: Urdu, Telugu, Nagari and Bengali. Between the quatrefoil and each of the four corners of the rim is a winged ornament. Reverse: Crowned head of the King facing left surrounded by the legend: GEORGE VI KING EMPEROR. Second small head, low relief, small crown and larger triangles on left and right in the center of the crown. All this with a serrated circle. Outside the circle in each corner on a raised table is a winged ornament. Mintage Years: Mumbai (Bombay): 1946-1947 + Kolkata (Calcutta): 1946-1947 + Lahore: 1946 (mintage: 25,480,000).

Note: These issues have smaller numeral 2 than the above coins. Kolkata (Calcutta) Mint issues have no mint mark. Mumbai (Bombay) Mint issues have a small dot before and after the date. Lahore mint without "L" mark, but have a small diamond-shaped mark left of date.
 

Year: 1946. Weight: 5.74g. Mint: Kolkata (Calcutta). Mintage: 67,276,000.

Year: 1947. Weight: 5.79g. Mint: Mumbai (Bombay). Mintage: 38,908,000.

Year: 1947. Weight: 5.80g. Mint: Kolkata (Calcutta). Mintage: 57,428,000.
 
 
Quarter Rupee = Four Annas
 
KM#545 Quarter Rupee. Weight: 2.91g. Metal: 0.500 Silver. Diameter: 19.5 mm. Edge: Reeded. Alignment: Medal. Mint: Mumbai (Bombay) and Kolkata (Calcutta). Obverse: The legend within a single line circle: 1/4 RUPEE INDIA with date. Surrounded by a saracenic (designating, characterizing, or relating to Muslim art or architecture) scroll composed of conventional representations of a rose, thistle and shamrock. At the top and bottom are different representations of the Indian lotus flower. Serif style lettering with normal (not star like) lotus. All this is within another plain circle that is in turn within a raised, decorative-toothed border. Small rim decoration. Reverse: Crowned head of the King facing left surrounded by the legend: GEORGE VI KING EMPEROR. All within a raised, decorative-toothed border. Large second head, low relief with short trefoils in crown. Mintage Years: Mumbai (Bombay): 1940 + Kolkata (Calcutta): 1940.

Note: Kolkata (Calcutta) Mint issues have no mint mark. Mumbai (Bombay) Mint issues have a small bead below the lotus flower near the rim.

Earlier styles:

  • KM#544: First head, hight relief, long trefoils, reeded edge and 0.917 silver. Calcutta: 1938-1939 and Bombay: 1939.
  • KM#544a: First head, hight relief, long trefoils, reeded edge and 0.500 silver. Bombay: 1940.
 

Year: 1940. Weight: 2.85g. Mint: Mumbai (Bombay). Mintage: 28,946,956.

Serif style lettering with not star like lotus (dot in lotus is surrounded by a regular circle). Small rim decoration. Large second head. Reeded edge

Note: Just for reference, Calcutta mintage: 68,674,901.

 
KM#546 Quarter Rupee. Weight: 2.91g. Metal: 0.500 Silver. Diameter: 19.5 mm. Edge: Reeded. Alignment: Medal. Mint: Kolkata (Calcutta). Obverse: The legend within a single line circle: 1/4 RUPEE INDIA with date. Surrounded by a saracenic (designating, characterizing, or relating to Muslim art or architecture) scroll composed of conventional representations of a rose, thistle and shamrock. At the top and bottom are different representations of the Indian lotus flower. San Serif style lettering with star like lotus. All this is within another plain circle that is in turn within a raised, decorative-toothed border. Large rim decoration. Reverse: Crowned head of the King facing left surrounded by the legend: GEORGE VI KING EMPEROR. All within a raised, decorative-toothed border. Small second head, low relief with short trefoils in crown. Mintage Years: Kolkata (Calcutta): 1942-1943.

Note: Kolkata (Calcutta) Mint issues have no mint mark.
 

Year: 1943. Weight: 2.82g. Mint: Kolkata (Calcutta). Mintage: 90,994,571.

Sans Serif style lettering with star like lotus (dot in lotus is surrounded by irregular circle). Large rim decoration. Small second head. Reeded edge. This coin also exists in Serif lettering with and without star like lotus.

Note: Just for reference, Calcutta mintage of 1942: 88,096,043.

 
KM#547 Quarter Rupee. Weight: 2.91g. Metal: 0.500 Silver. Diameter: 19.5 mm. Edge: Security. Alignment: Medal. Mint: Mumbai (Bombay) and Lahore. Obverse: The legend within a single line circle: 1/4 RUPEE INDIA with date. Surrounded by a saracenic (designating, characterizing, or relating to Muslim art or architecture) scroll composed of conventional representations of a rose, thistle and shamrock. At the top and bottom are different representations of the Indian lotus flower. Sans Serif style lettering with star like lotus. All this is within another plain circle that is in turn within a raised, decorative-toothed border. Large rim decoration. Reverse: Crowned head of the King facing left surrounded by the legend: GEORGE VI KING EMPEROR. All within a raised, decorative-toothed border. Small second head, low relief with short trefoils in crown. Mintage Years: Mumbai (Bombay): 1943-1945 + Lahore: 1943-1945.

Note: Kolkata (Calcutta) Mint issues have no mint mark. Mumbai (Bombay) Mint issues have a small bead below the lotus flower near the rim, except those dated 1943-1944 with reverse B (diamond shape is replaced with dot). Lahore Mint issues have a small "L" in the same position.
 

Year: 1943. Weight: 2.82g. Mint: Mumbai (Bombay). Mintage: 95,200,000 (including Reverse B issues).

Note: This coin has dot below the star like lotus. San Serif style lettering. Large rim decoration. Small second head. Security edge.

Year: 1943. Weight: 2.88g. Mint: Lahore. Mintage: 23,700,000.

Note: This coin has "L" symbol below the star like lotus. San Serif style lettering. Large rim decoration. Small second head. Security edge.

Year: 1944. Weight: 2.90g. Mint: Mumbai (Bombay). Mintage: 170,504,400  (including Reverse B issues).

Note: This coin has dot below the star like lotus. San Serif style lettering. Large rim decoration. Small second head. Security edge.

Year: 1945. Weight: 2.82g. Mint: Mumbai (Bombay). Mintage: 181,648,000 (including large 5 in date).

Note: This coin has dot below the star like lotus. San Serif style lettering. Large rim decoration. Small second head. Security edge.

Year: 1945. Weight: 2.87g. Mint: Mumbai (Bombay). Mintage: N/A (including above coin).

Note: This coin has dot below the star like lotus. San Serif style lettering. Large rim decoration. Small second head. Security edge.

Lahore mint also has a small and large 5 issues.
 
KM#548 Quarter Rupee. Weight: 2.91g. Metal: Nickel. Diameter: 19.5 mm. Edge: Reeded. Alignment: Medal. Mint: Mumbai (Bombay). Obverse: An Indian tiger standing and facing left. The legend below in two lines: INDIA with date. Surrounded by the value in Devnagri, English and Urdu. Reverse: Crowned head of the King facing left surrounded by the legend: GEORGE VI KING EMPEROR. Mintage Years: Mumbai (Bombay): 1946-1947.

Note: Mumbai (Bombay) Mint issues have a diamond shape below the date.
 

Year: 1946. Weight: 2.91g. Mint: Mumbai (Bombay). Mintage: 83,600,000.

Year: 1947. Weight: 2.85g. Mint: Mumbai (Bombay). Mintage: 109,948,438.
 
 
Half Rupee = Eight Annas
 
KM#549 Half Rupee. Weight: 5.83g. Metal: 0.917 Silver. Diameter: 24.0 mm. Edge: Reeded. Alignment: Medal. Mint: Mumbai (Bombay) and Kolkata (Calcutta). Obverse: The legend within a single-line circle: HALF RUPEE INDIA and date. Surrounded by a saracenic scroll composed of conventional representations of a rose, thistle and shamrock. At the top and bottom are different representations of the Indian lotus flower. All this is within another single-line circle. All within a raised, decorative-toothed border. (Hasht ana = Eight annas in Persian). Serif style lettering. Reverse: Crowned bust facing left with legends "GEORGE V KING EMPEROR". First Head, high relief with long trefoils in crown. Mintage Years: Mumbai (Bombay): 1938-1939 + Kolkata (Calcutta): 1938-1939 (1938 in Proof only).

Note: Kolkata (Calcutta) Mint issues have no mint mark. Mumbai (Bombay) Mint issues have a small raised dot below the date near the rim.

KM#550 dated 1939 by both Calcutta and Bombay have Large Second Head, low relief, 0.917 silver, reeded edge, short trefoils with small rim decoration.

 

Year: 1939. Weight: 5.79g. Mint: Mumbai (Bombay). Mintage: 10,096,116.

Serif style lettering. First Head, high relief with long trefoils in crown. Reeded edge.

Year: 1939. Weight: 5.79g. Mint: Kolkata (Calcutta). Mintage: 3,300,000.

Serif style lettering. First Head, high relief with long trefoils in crown. Reeded edge.
 
KM#550a Half Rupee. Weight: 5.83g. Metal: 0.500 Silver. Diameter: 24.0 mm. Edge: Reeded. Alignment: Medal. Mint: Mumbai (Bombay) and Kolkata (Calcutta). Obverse: The legend within a single-line circle: HALF RUPEE INDIA and date. Surrounded by a saracenic scroll composed of conventional representations of a rose, thistle and shamrock. At the top and bottom are different representations of the Indian lotus flower. All this is within another single-line circle. All within a raised, decorative-toothed border. (Hasht ana = Eight annas in Persian). Serif style lettering. Reverse: Crowned bust facing left with legends "GEORGE V KING EMPEROR". Second Large Head, low relief with short trefoils in crown. Mintage Years: Mumbai (Bombay): 1940 + Kolkata (Calcutta): 1940.

Note: Kolkata (Calcutta) Mint issues have no mint mark. Mumbai (Bombay) Mint issues have a small raised dot below the date near the rim.
 

Year: 1940. Weight: 5.83g. Mint: Mumbai (Bombay). Mintage: 17,811,326.

Serif style lettering. Second Large Head, low relief, short trefoils in crown with 0.500 silver. Reeded edge.

Note: Just for reference, Calcutta mintage: 32,897,926.
 
KM#551 Half Rupee. Weight: 5.83g. Metal: 0.500 Silver. Diameter: 24.0 mm. Edge: Security. Alignment: Medal. Mint: Mumbai (Bombay). Obverse: The legend within a single-line circle: HALF RUPEE INDIA and date. Surrounded by a saracenic scroll composed of conventional representations of a rose, thistle and shamrock. At the top and bottom are different representations of the Indian lotus flower. All this is within another single-line circle. All within a raised, decorative-toothed border. (Hasht ana = Eight annas in Persian). Serif style lettering. Small rim decoration. Reverse: Crowned bust facing left with legends "GEORGE V KING EMPEROR". Second Large Head, low relief with short trefoils in crown. Mintage Years: Mumbai (Bombay): 1941-1942.

Note: Mumbai (Bombay) Mint issues have a small raised dot below the date near the rim.
 

Year: 1941. Weight: 5.82g. Mint: Mumbai (Bombay). Mintage: 26,100,304.

Serif style lettering. Second Large Head, low relief, short trefoils in crown with 0.500 silver. Security edge. Small rim decoration.

Note: Just for reference, 1942 dated mintage: 61,600,001.
 
KM#552 Half Rupee. Weight: 5.83g. Metal: 0.500 Silver. Diameter: 24.0 mm. Edge: Security. Alignment: Medal. Mint: Mumbai (Bombay) and Lahore. Obverse: The legend within a single-line circle: HALF RUPEE INDIA and date. Surrounded by a saracenic scroll composed of conventional representations of a rose, thistle and shamrock. At the top and bottom are different representations of the Indian lotus flower. All this is within another single-line circle. All within a raised, decorative-toothed border. (Hasht ana = Eight annas in Persian). Serif / San Serif style lettering. Large rim decoration. Smaller legends. Reverse: Crowned bust facing left with legends "GEORGE V KING EMPEROR". Second Small Head, low relief with short trefoils in crown. Mintage Years: Mumbai (Bombay): 1942-1945 + Lahore: 1943-1945.

Note: Mumbai (Bombay) Mint issues have a small raised dot below the date near the rim. Lahore Mint issues have a small "L" in the same position.
 

Year: 1942. Weight: 5.72g. Mint: Mumbai (Bombay). Mintage: 61,600,001 (including KM#551 dated 1942 issues).

Serif style lettering. Second Small Head, low relief, short trefoils in crown with 0.500 silver. Security edge. Large rim decoration. Dot below the lotus flower.

Year: 1943. Weight: 5.82g. Mint: Mumbai (Bombay). Mintage: 95,400,000 (including dot mint mark).

Serif style lettering. Second Small Head, low relief, short trefoils in crown with 0.500 silver. Security edge. Large rim decoration. Diamond below the lotus flower.

Year: 1943. Weight: 2.76g. Mint: Lahore. Mintage: 9,000,000.

San Serif style lettering. Second Small Head, low relief, short trefoils in crown with 0.500 silver. Security edge. Large rim decoration. "L" below the lotus flower.

Year: 1944. Weight: 2.78g. Mint: Lahore. Mintage: 79,100,000.

San Serif style lettering. Second Small Head, low relief, short trefoils in crown with 0.500 silver. Security edge. Large rim decoration. "L" below the lotus flower.

Year: 1945. Weight: 5.71g. Mint: Mumbai (Bombay). Mintage: 32,722,000 (including large 5 issues).

Note: This coin has small 5 in date. Coins with large 5 also exits. Lahore mint also has both varieties.

San Serif style lettering. Second Small Head, low relief, short trefoils in crown with 0.500 silver. Security edge. Large rim decoration. Dot below the lotus flower.
 
KM#553 Half Rupee. Weight: 5.83g. Metal: Nickel. Diameter: 24.0 mm. Edge: Reeded. Alignment: Medal. Mint: Mumbai (Bombay). Obverse: An Indian tiger standing and facing left. The legend below in two lines: INDIA with date. Surrounded by the value in Devnagri, English and Urdu. Reverse: Crowned head of the King facing left surrounded by the legend: GEORGE VI KING EMPEROR. Mintage Years: Mumbai (Bombay): 1946-1947.

Note: Mumbai (Bombay) Mint issues have a diamond shape below the date.
 

Year: 1946. Weight: 5.67g. Mint: Mumbai (Bombay). Mintage: 47,500,000.

Year: 1947. Weight: 5.89g. Mint: Mumbai (Bombay). Mintage: 62,724,000.
 
 
Rupee
 
KM#555 Rupee. Weight: 11.66g. Metal: 0.917 Silver. Diameter: 31.0 mm. Edge: Reeded. Alignment: Medal. Mint: Mumbai (Bombay). Obverse: The legend within a single line circle: ONE RUPEE INDIA and - (date) - Surrounded by a saracenic scroll composed of conventional representations of a rose, thistle and shamrock. At the top and bottom are different representations of the Indian lotus flower. All this is within another plain circle. All within a raised, decorative-toothed border. (Yek rupiya = One rupee in Persian).  Reverse: Crowned head of the King facing left and surrounded by the legend: GEORGE VI KING EMPEROR. All within a raised with decorative-toothed rim. Second Large Head with small rim decoration. Mintage Years: Mumbai (Bombay): 1938-1939.

Note: Mumbai (Bombay) Mint issues have a small raised dot below the date near the rim, except 1938 dated issue which also exists without dot.

KM#554 also exists as First head, reeded edge with high relief only produced by Calcutta mint as Proof, dated 1938-1939.
 

Year: 1938. Weight: 11.58g. Mint: Mumbai (Bombay). Mintage: 7,351,634 (including below).

Bombay mint without dot below the lotus near the rim.

Second Large Head, low relief with small rim decoration. Short trefoils in crown with 0.917 silver fineness. Serif lettering. Reeded edge.

Year: 1938. Weight: 11.53g. Mint: Mumbai (Bombay). Mintage: N/A (including above).

Second Large Head, low relief with small rim decoration. Short trefoils in crown with 0.917 silver fineness. Serif lettering. Reeded edge.

Year: 1939. Weight: 11.58g. Mint: Mumbai (Bombay). Mintage: 2,450,544.

Second Large Head, low relief with small rim decoration. Short trefoils in crown with 0.917 silver fineness. Serif lettering. Reeded edge.

This coin is known as King of all Rupees as the silver prices went up after the war broke out in 1939, most of these coins were melted and withdrawn from circulation. Surprising the 1939 dated Rupee, security edge with 0.500 silver fineness is more valuable than this coin.

 
KM#556 Rupee. Weight: 11.66g. Metal: 0.500 Silver. Diameter: 31.0 mm. Edge: Security. Alignment: Medal. Mint: Mumbai (Bombay). Obverse: The legend within a single line circle: ONE RUPEE INDIA and - (date) - Surrounded by a saracenic scroll composed of conventional representations of a rose, thistle and shamrock. At the top and bottom are different representations of the Indian lotus flower. All this is within another plain circle. All within a raised, decorative-toothed border. (Yek rupiya = One rupee in Persian).  Reverse: Crowned head of the King facing left and surrounded by the legend: GEORGE VI KING EMPEROR. All within a raised with decorative-toothed rim. Second Large Head with small rim decoration. Mintage Years: Mumbai (Bombay): 1939-1941 and 1943.

Note: Mumbai (Bombay) Mint issues have a small raised dot below the date near the rim.
 

Year: 1940. Weight: 11.53g. Mint: Mumbai (Bombay). Mintage: 153,120,002.

Second Large Head, low relief with small rim decoration. Short trefoils in crown with 0.500 silver fineness. Serif lettering. Security edge.

Year: 1941. Weight: 11.53g. Mint: Mumbai (Bombay). Mintage: 111,480,000.

Second Large Head, low relief with small rim decoration. Short trefoils in crown with 0.500 silver fineness. Serif lettering. Security edge.

 
 
KM#557 Rupee. Weight: 11.66g. Metal: 0.500 Silver. Diameter: 31.0 mm. Edge: Security. Alignment: Medal. Mint: Mumbai (Bombay) and Lahore. Obverse: The legend within a single line circle: ONE RUPEE INDIA and - (date) - Surrounded by a saracenic scroll composed of conventional representations of a rose, thistle and shamrock. At the top and bottom are different representations of the Indian lotus flower. All this is within another plain circle. All within a raised, decorative-toothed border. (Yek rupiya = One rupee in Persian).  Reverse: Crowned head of the King facing left and surrounded by the legend: GEORGE VI KING EMPEROR. All within a raised with decorative-toothed rim. Second Small Head with large rim decoration. Mintage Years: Mumbai (Bombay): 1942-1945 + Lahore: 1943-1945.

Note: Mumbai (Bombay) Mint issues have a small raised dot below the date near the rim. Lahore Mint issues have a small "L" in the same position.
 

Year: 1942. Weight: 11.52g. Mint: Mumbai (Bombay). Mintage: 244,500,001.

Diamond below the lotus is commonly known as Reverse B type.

Second Small Head, low relief with large rim decoration. Short trefoils in crown with 0.500 silver fineness. Serif lettering. Security edge. Smaller legends.

Same as above coin but has more extended border on both sides, slightly smaller in size and weight = 11.05g.

Year: 1943. Weight: 11.68g. Mint: Mumbai (Bombay). Mintage: 65,994,636.

Diamond below the lotus is commonly known as Reverse B type.

Second Small Head, low relief with large rim decoration. Short trefoils in crown with 0.500 silver fineness. Serif lettering. Security edge. Smaller legends.

More extended rim decoration exists.

Year: 1944. Weight: 11.50g. Mint: Mumbai (Bombay). Mintage: 146,206,000 (including Reverse B).

Dot below the lotus.

Second Small Head, low relief with large rim decoration. Short trefoils in crown with 0.500 silver fineness. San Serif lettering. Security edge. Smaller legends.

Reverse B type have Serif lettering with Six-leaf lotus.

Year: 1944. Weight: 11.53g. Mint: Lahore. Mintage: 85,400,000 (including both small and Large "L").

Small "L" mint mark below the lotus.

Slightly Smaller Head, low relief with large rim decoration. Short trefoils in crown with 0.500 silver fineness. San Serif lettering. Security edge. Smaller legends.

Year: 1944. Weight: 11.58g. Mint: Lahore. Mintage: N/A.

Large "L" mint mark below the lotus.

Slightly Smaller Head, low relief with large rim decoration. Short trefoils in crown with 0.500 silver fineness. San Serif lettering. Security edge. Smaller legends.

Year: 1945. Weight: 11.49g. Mint: Lahore. Mintage: 118,125,532.

"L" mint mark below the lotus.

Slightly Smaller Head, low relief with large rim decoration. Short trefoils in crown with 0.500 silver fineness. Serif lettering. Security edge. Smaller legends.
 
KM#559 Rupee. Weight: 11.66g. Metal: Nickel. Diameter: 28.0 mm. Edge: Security. Alignment: Medal. Mint: Mumbai (Bombay) and Lahore. Obverse: An Indian tiger standing and facing left. Below in two lines is the legend: INDIA and date. Surrounded by the value in Nagri, English and Urdu. Reverse: Crowned head of the King facing left and surrounded by the legend: GEORGE VI KING EMPEROR. Mintage Years: Mumbai (Bombay): 1947 + Lahore: 1947.

Note: Mumbai (Bombay) Mint issues have a diamond shape below the date. Lahore mint without any mint mark.

The minting of a new rupee was announced on the 24th May 1947. The coin was struck in pure nickel, had a new reverse design and was slightly smaller than the previous Rupee. Issued from the mints of Bombay and Lahore.
 

Year: 1947. Weight: 11.57g. Mint: Mumbai (Bombay). Mintage: 118,128,000.

Year: 1947. Weight: 11.69g. Mint: Lahore. Mintage: 41,911,451.
 
Early Indian coins:

British India coins:

Coins of Indian Princely States and other colonies:
 
 
 
India or Pakistan
Countries / Territories
 
Chiefa Coins