Rotation Error of William IV Rupee (1835)

William Henry known as William IV was the last King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and King of Hanover from 26 June 1830 until his death in 1837. He was the third son of George III. During his kingdom of east India Company, one rupee was only minted with the date of 1835 with different varieties. But there has also an extremely rare rupee with his name on 1840. Rotation error of one rupee during his period is often familiar.

When the images on the obverse and reverse dies are turned from the normal positions is called rotation error. Some rotation errors considered rare on their age and minted quantity. The numismatic value of a coin increased in proportion to the degree of its die rotation error because these errors are not frequently available. Rotation error can be measured by placing the coin on a circular scale, mark the edge of the coin and then turn the coin over keeping the mark at the same position on the scale and estimate the amount of rotation.

Below clock and 360⁰ full circle shows the die rotation range from 1:00 O’clock to 12:00 O’clock and 0⁰ to 359⁰. If the reverse is right-side-up, the die alignment is 0⁰ or 12:00. If the reverse is upside down, the die alignment is 180⁰ or 6:00. Normally die alignment expressed as the nearest 15⁰ increment (0, 15, 30, 45, 60...) or the nearest hour, but there has no firm rules. A coin with an axis between 350⁰ and 10⁰ is likely to be described as having a 0⁰ die axis and a coin with a die axis between 170⁰ and 190⁰ is likely to be described as having a die axis of 180⁰. A die axis of 180⁰ or 6 o 'clock is called standard die axis or standard rotation. A die axis of 0⁰ or 12 o 'clock is called medallic die axis or metallic rotation.

Below coins are rotation error 11 O’clock (2) and 1 O’clock (3) of William IV. 6 O’clock (4) is standard die axis or standard rotation of William IV with the regular coins (1). Rotation of coin was considered from the top position of the head of William IV.