The Lower-Weight Rupee of 1945 under George VI

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 to 1945, and again in 1947. Mint identification varied by location, Calcutta issues carried no mint mark, Bombay coins bore a small dot or diamond, and Lahore issues displayed a small “L”, all positioned beneath the decorative lotus on the reverse. A major design change occurred in 1946, when the transition to nickel coinage introduced a new reverse motif featuring an Indian tiger.

According to established numismatic literature, the 1945 One Rupee was issued exclusively from the Bombay and Lahore mints during the reign of George VI. Standard references identify two principal varieties of the security edge, distinguished by the numeral “5”: one with a regular-sized 5 and another displaying a noticeably larger 5.

Based on an earlier study of specimens from my personal collection, I documented five distinct varieties of the 1945 Rupee. These included:

 

1. Lahore Mint variety where the upper curve of the “5” aligns to the right of the “I” in INDIA,
2. Bombay Mint issue with a large “5”,
3. Bombay Mint variety with a straight upper stroke of the “5” aligned with the “I”,
4. Bombay Mint variety with an inclined upper stroke of the “5” relative to the “I”, and
5. Lahore Mint issue with a milled edge and thick “5”.

Recently, however, a previously undocumented specimen has come to light. This coin differs markedly from known varieties, most notably due to its significantly reduced weight of 9.59 g, which is approximately 2.0 g lighter than the standard issue. While the coin exhibits a minor border irregularity and slight surface impairment, these features alone do not sufficiently account for such a substantial weight deficit. The degree of weight reduction is therefore exceptional and noteworthy.

This anomalous specimen may represent an irregular or emergency wartime issue, potentially reflecting economic constraints and material shortages during the final phase of World War II. If confirmed through further comparative study, this coin could provide valuable insight into wartime monetary adjustments and minting practices in late colonial India.