Mystery of the Missing Persian Script: A 1904 Edward VII Rupee
King Edward VII, the eldest son of Queen Victoria, ascended the British throne in 1901 following his mother's death. During his reign, Indian coinage underwent a transition, and coins bearing his portrait were issued between 1903 and 1910. Among these, the 1904 One Rupee coin of British India is regarded as one of the most attractive silver issues of the Edwardian period . Struck in 91.7% silver, the coin weighs approximately 11.66 grams and has a diameter of about 30.5 mm. At the time, the rupee served as the primary silver currency throughout British India. The 1904 rupee was produced at both the Calcutta and Bombay Mints. Coins struck at the Calcutta Mint were issued without a mint mark , in accordance with the mint's standard practice. In contrast, Bombay Mint specimens can be identified by a small incuse “B” beneath the crown on the reverse. Collectors also recognize Bombay issues by a tiny dot associated with the lotus-bud stem design. These subtle differences mak...