Rupee with Five Types 5 of George VI in 1945

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George VI was the last British monarch to bear the title Emperor of India, a distinction he held until the dissolution of the British Raj in August 1947. Ascending the throne in 1936, he reigned as King of the United Kingdom and the Dominions of the British Commonwealth until his death in 1952. Born Albert Frederick Arthur George, his reign witnessed one of the most turbulent periods in modern history, encompassing the Second World War, the final years of British rule in India, and the emergence of two independent nations, India and Pakistan. Consequently, the coinage issued under his authority represents the closing chapter of British India's numismatic heritage.

The One Rupee coinage of George VI underwent significant compositional and design changes during his reign. Between 1938 and 1945, the denomination was struck in 0.917 fine silver, followed by 0.500 fine silver, before the introduction of nickel coinage in 1946 due to wartime shortages of precious metals. Production was carried out at the Calcutta, Bombay, and Lahore Mints, each identifiable through distinctive mint marks. Calcutta issues bear no mint mark, Bombay coins display a small dot or diamond beneath the ornamental lotus on the reverse, while Lahore issues are identified by a small "L" positioned in the same location. The transition to nickel in 1946 was accompanied by a completely redesigned reverse featuring the iconic Indian tiger, replacing the traditional floral motif used on earlier silver issues.

The silver Rupees minted from 1938 to 1945 generally conform to a standard weight ranging from 11.33 to 11.66 grams with a diameter between 30.4 and 30.7 mm. In 1947, the final year of British Indian Rupee production, the diameter was reduced to approximately 28 mm, reflecting changes in minting standards during the transition period preceding independence. Edge treatments also evolved throughout the series. The earliest issues of 1938 and 1939 were produced with a conventional milled (reeded) edge, whereas a distinctive security edge was introduced during 1939-1945 and retained for the 1947 issue. These subtle modifications in composition, dimensions, and edge characteristics have become essential diagnostic features for collectors and researchers studying the George VI Rupee series.

According to the major numismatic references, 1945 One Rupee coins have traditionally been documented only from the Bombay and Lahore Mints. Existing literature recognizes two principal security-edge varieties, differentiated by the shape and size of the numeral "5" in the edge inscription, one exhibiting a regular-sized "5" and the other a large "5". These two varieties have long been accepted as the standard classification for the 1945 issue.

However, my detailed examination of multiple 1945 Rupee specimens has revealed evidence that extends beyond the currently published classifications. Rather than only two forms, I have identified five distinct varieties of the numeral "5" within the security-edge inscription, including the previously recognized large "5". Each variety exhibits unique differences in the numeral's proportions, curvature, stroke thickness, and engraving style, indicating the use of multiple edge collars or manufacturing variations during production. If confirmed through further comparative analysis and additional specimen studies, these newly recognized edge varieties could significantly expand the existing classification of the 1945 George VI Rupee and contribute valuable new knowledge to the numismatic study of late British Indian coinage.










 

I love to collect coins, specially British Indian coins

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