The Large and Small ‘4’ Varieties in the 1940 One Anna Coin of George V

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Albert Frederick Arthur George, better known as King George VI, ruled over the United Kingdom and the Dominions of the British Commonwealth from 1936 to 1952. His reign witnessed a transformative era in world history, marked by war, reconstruction, and the gradual decline of British imperial power. George VI also held the title of the last Emperor of British India, a role that ended in August 1947 with the dissolution of the British Raj and the emergence of India and Pakistan as independent nations.

The One Anna coin from the era of King George VI stands as a numismatic relic of the final decade of British rule in India. Minted between 1938 and 1947, this coin marks a blend of imperial authority and evolving Indian identity. Composed mainly of nickel-brass, it bears on its obverse the left-facing effigy of King George VI, encircled by the legend “GEORGE VI KING EMPEROR.”

The reverse displays the value “ONE ANNA” beautifully inscribed in English, Persian, and Hindi, framed within an ornamental floral motif that reflects the linguistic and cultural diversity of the subcontinent. Among the 1943 issues, collectors recognize two intriguing varieties, one featuring a large numeral ‘4’ and another a smaller ‘4’ in the date, a subtle difference that enhances the coin’s rarity and historical interest.

Weighing about 3.75~3.85 grams and measuring 21 millimeters in diameter, the One Anna represented one-sixteenth of a rupee in the pre-decimal system. Beyond its monetary role, the coin captures a vivid story of transition, from imperial economy to the threshold of independence, and remains a cherished artifact of colonial numismatic heritage.

In 1940, the One Anna coin was struck at both the Calcutta and Bombay mints, identifiable by the presence of a dot mint mark. This issue is also known for its distinctive “single head” and “double head” varieties. Interestingly, a single head Calcutta-minted One Anna of 1940 has been observed with two notable date variations, one featuring a large ‘4’ and another a small ‘4’. Such varieties appear to have escaped prior documentation, suggesting that these subtle differences may represent an undiscovered or overlooked mint variation within the series.




 


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