Thick Outer Edge Rupee of George V in 1919 with Different Elephant

George Frederick Ernest Albert, better known as King George V, reigned as King of the United Kingdom and the British Dominions and Emperor of India from 1910 to 1936. Born during the reign of his grandmother, Queen Victoria, he was the second son of Albert Edward, the Prince of Wales, who later ascended the throne as King Edward VII. George V's reign witnessed profound political and economic transformations, including the First World War and significant administrative changes throughout the British Empire. The coinage issued during this period is particularly valued by numismatists for its exceptional craftsmanship, numerous die varieties, and the subtle minting differences that continue to attract scholarly attention.

The Indian One Rupee struck under George V was issued between 1911 and 1922, forming one of the most important silver series of British India. Production was shared between the Calcutta and Bombay Mints from 1911 to 1920, after which the Bombay Mint became the sole producer for the 1921 and 1922 issues. Standard Rupees of this period were struck in silver with a milled (reeded) edge, an average weight of approximately 11.6 grams, a diameter ranging from 30.5 to 30.8 mm, and a thickness of about 1.9 mm. Mint attribution can be determined by the reverse design: Bombay Mint issues are distinguished by a raised dot beneath the lower floral ornament, whereas Calcutta Mint coins carry no mint mark. At the base of the reverse, the elegant Indian lotus serves as a prominent decorative element, with a single central dot incorporated into the lotus design.

During my examination of this series, I encountered an unusual 1919 silver Rupee that displays several characteristics differing from those of the standard circulation issue. The coin measures 30.5 mm in diameter, consistent with the official specification, but weighs approximately 11.5 grams, making it marginally lighter than the normal standard. This slight reduction in weight may reasonably be attributed to minor surface damage, circulation wear, or small edge wounds, rather than to a deviation in the original mint standard.

More significant than the modest weight difference, however, are the coin's distinctive design characteristics. The raised outer rim on both the obverse and reverse is noticeably broader and thicker than that observed on regular 1919 Rupees, giving the specimen a more pronounced border profile. In addition, the elephant motif on the obverse exhibits clear stylistic differences when compared with ordinary circulation examples. Variations can be observed in its overall shape, engraving details, and artistic execution, suggesting the possibility of a different die, hub variation, or an unrecorded engraving modification.

The combination of a broader peripheral rim, modified elephant design, and slightly reduced weight makes this specimen an especially intriguing subject for further numismatic investigation. Although none of these features alone conclusively establish a new variety, their simultaneous occurrence strongly suggests that the coin deserves detailed comparative analysis with authenticated 1919 Rupees from both the Calcutta and Bombay Mints. High-resolution die comparisons, microscopic examination, and metallurgical testing could help determine whether this piece represents a previously undocumented die variety, an unusual minting anomaly, or another production-related variation. If corroborated by additional specimens, this remarkable Rupee could contribute valuable new information to the classification and study of George V silver coinage in British India.