1916 George V Rupee: Weight Anomaly and Design Variation

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George Frederick Ernest Albert, widely known as George V, reigned as King of the United Kingdom and the British Dominions, as well as Emperor of India, from 1910 to 1936. Born during the reign of his grandmother Queen Victoria, he was the second son of Albert Edward, Prince of Wales.

During George V’s reign, the silver Rupee was minted from 1911 to 1922. Between 1911 and 1920, the Rupees were struck at both the Calcutta and Bombay Mints, while the 1921–1922 issues were produced exclusively at Bombay. The coins featured a milled edge and an average weight of approximately 11.6 grams, with diameters ranging from 30.5 mm to 30.8 mm. Distinguishing features include a raised dot beneath the bottom flower on Bombay-minted coins, absent on Calcutta issues. The reverse commonly displayed an Indian lotus at the bottom, with a small dot at its center.

An intriguing specimen of a 1916 Rupee from the Bombay Mint exhibits a diameter of 30.5 mm and a slightly elevated weight of 11.67 grams. Its milled edge is consistent with Bombay-minted examples, yet several elements of the obverse and reverse diverge significantly from standard designs. While the coin is composed of silver and shows a marginally higher weight, the unusual design suggests it may be a contemporary or later counterfeit, making it a particularly curious piece for collectors and numismatic study.

A coin that is heavier and has a different obverse/reverse indicate a contemporary counterfeit. During WWI (1914–1918), silver coin shortages and high demand sometimes prompted private or unofficial striking, especially since silver prices were rising.




 


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