Numismatic Analysis: Reverse Outer Border Varieties on the 1918 Calcutta Mint George V One Rupee

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King George V (George Frederick Ernest Albert) reigned as King of the United Kingdom and the British Dominions, and Emperor of India, from 1910 until his death in 1936. Born during the reign of his grandmother, Queen Victoria, he was the second son of Albert Edward, Prince of Wales. During his reign, the British Indian One Rupee silver series was struck from 1911 to 1922.

Minted at both the Calcutta and Bombay Mints between 1911 and 1920 (and exclusively at Bombay in 1921 and 1922), these standard circulation coins weigh an average of 11.6 grams with a diameter ranging between 30.5 mm and 30.8 mm, featuring a reeded/milled edge. While Bombay Mint strikes are identified by a raised dot below the bottom flower, Calcutta Mint strikes lack this mint mark. The reverse motif showcases a center denomination text enclosed within a floral wreath made of roses, thistles, shamrocks, and an Indian lotus at the bottom (featuring a center dot).

A close examination of the 1918 Calcutta Mint silver Rupees reveals notable die variations on the reverse outer border structure.

 


The image showcases two distinct reverse border treatments on the 1918 Calcutta Mint issue-

Design Feature

Left Coin (Type A)

Right Coin (Type B)

Outer Rim Profile

Broad, slightly elevated rim

Flat, standard raised rim

Outer Toothed Border

Subdued, shorter radial denticles

Crisp, prominent denticles

Inner Circle Rim

Thinner, lower relief ring line

Sharp, high-relief raised ring

Denticle Definition

Rounded, softer tooth edges

Well-defined, block-like teeth

Denticle Spacing

Slightly wider intervals

Tightly uniform spacing


1. Denticle Relief and Crispness

  • Type A: Features a softer, lower-relief border. The teeth (denticles) extending inward from the outer rim are less pronounced, appearing slightly rounded or worn into the inner field.
  • Type B: Exhibits high-contrast, sharply defined denticles. Each tooth stands out distinctly against the field with crisp, block-like geometry.

2. Inner Ring Line Prominence

  • Type A: The solid concentric ring running immediately inside the toothed border is finer and less raised, giving the periphery an open, lighter overall appearance.
  • Type B: The inner concentric ring is deeply struck and prominent, creating a strong circular frame that sharply separates the outer border from the floral scroll field.

3. Border Teeth Spacing and Alignment

  • Type A: The spacing between individual denticles appears broader with shallower grooves between each tooth.
  • Type B: The denticles are closely aligned in a precise, uniform sequence with deep channels separating them.

4. Rim Thickness and Field Depth

  • Type A: Demonstrates a slightly wider, flatter outer rim margin, giving the border a wider profile relative to the overall coin diameter.
  • Type B: Possesses a narrower outer rim with a steeper step down into the denticle band, creating a distinct visual border around the floral motif.

 


I love to collect coins, specially British Indian coins

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