Bombay (1692-93) rupee
This specimen was lot 1159 in CNG sale Triton XXVII (New York, January 2024), where it sold for $2,082.50. The catalog description[1] noted, "INDIA, Colonial. British India. Bombay Presidency. 1662-1835. AR Rupee. In the name of William III and Mary II, King and Queen of England, Scotland, and Ireland (AH 1101-1106 /1688-1694). Mumbai (Bombay) mint. Dated RY 4 (1692/3). sikka zad dauran king william an kween mary / sanah julus 4 angrez shaheen zarb munbai. Toned, deposits, porosity, a couple of flan flaws and shroff marks. VF. An extremely rare issue naming William and Mary. Ex Robert P. Puddester Collection, purchased from R. C. Senior, 1983." The first rupees of the EIC featured their arms and a Latin legend on the reverse. It must have been a flop, as later issues of the EIC, such as this one, would adopt more familiar Arabic or Persian script. The SCWC notes this bears regnal date 4, referring to the reign of William and Mary, not the Mughal Emperor.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 10.7-11.6 g, silver, this specimen 24 mm diameter, 11.38 g, 7 h axis.
Catalog reference: CEEIC 1.25; Pridmore –; KM 148.1.
- Cuhaj, George S., and Thomas Michael, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1601-1700, 6th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2014.
- Stevens, Paul, The Coins of the English East India Company, Presidency Series: A Catalogue and Pricelist. London, Spink & Son Ltd, 2017.
- [1]Gasvoda, Michael, Victor England, Eric McFadden, Dave Michaels, Bill Dalzell and Lance Hickman, Triton XXVII, Lancaster, PA: Classical Numismatic Group, LLC, 2023.
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