British Indian and Mughal Coins

George VI was the last Emperor of India during British rule, holding the title until the dissolution of the British Raj in August 1947 . He reigned as King of the United Kingdom and the Dominions of the British Commonwealth from 1936 to 1952. Born Albert Frederick Arthur George, his reign coincided with a period of major political and monetary transition. Throughout his rule, One Rupee coins were struck at the Calcutta , Bombay , and Lahore mints using varying compositions, including 0.917 silver , 0.500 silver , and nickel . Early issues featured a reeded (milled) edge, which was later replaced by a security edge . Between 1938 and 1945 , the rupee maintained a standard weight ranging from 11.33 g to 11.66 g, with diameters between 30.4 mm and 30.7 mm. In 1947, the diameter was reduced to 28 mm, reflecting changes in coinage standards. The edge treatment evolved over time: coins minted in 1938 and 1939 retained a milled edge , while the security edge was adopted from 1939 ...

Queen Victoria ’s reign ( 1837–1901 ) produced one of the most studied and sought-after coinages of British India . For collectors, her coinage is traditionally classified into four distinct phases, each defined by clear changes in legend style, portrait, and administrative authority. 1. 1840–1850: Continuous Legend ( East India Company ): The earliest Victorian issues feature a youthful bust encircled by the uninterrupted inscription VICTORIA QUEEN . The smooth, flowing legend and refined engraving of this period make these coins especially appealing, with several early die varieties attracting specialist interest. 2. 1850–1860: Divided Legend (East India Company): In this phase, the portrait breaks the legend, placing VICTORIA on one side of the bust and QUEEN on the other. Though subtle, this modification marks a key transitional style and is a primary diagnostic feature for identifying mid-century issues. 3. 1862–1876: Imperial Coinage (Crown Administration): Following the t...

Queen Victoria , who ruled from 1837 to 1901 , left behind one of the most fascinating and collectible coin series in the history of British India . Her long reign is divided into four major coinage eras, each with distinct designs that help collectors identify and categorize coins. 1. 1840–1850 : Continuous Legend ( East India Company ): These early Victorian coins show a young portrait with the words VICTORIA QUEEN written in one smooth, unbroken circle around the bust. Collectors appreciate this era for its elegant engraving and early die varieties. 2. 1850–1860 : Divided Legend (East India Company): Here, the portrait interrupts the legend, VICTORIA appears on one side and QUEEN on the other. This simple change creates an important variation for identifying mid-century issues. 3. 1862–1876 : Imperial Coinage ( Crown Rule ): After the British Crown took direct control in 1858 , a new uniform series began in 1862 . Although these coins all show the same date, “1862,” diffe...