Bombay (1832) 1/2 rupee
This specimen was lot 73752 in Stack's Bowers Collector's Choice sale (Costa Mesa, CA, February 2023), where it sold for $240. The catalog description[1] noted, "INDIA. Bombay Presidency. 1/2 Rupee, AH 1215 "Year 46" (1832-35). Bombay Mint. In the name of Shah Alam II. NGC MS-64. A pleasing near-Gem example of the later machine struck type, this pleasant example delivers stunning appeal and charm and is worthy of a strong bid." This is among the first milled silver coins struck for India, along with quarter and one rupees (KM 220, KM 221, 222, 224). Earlier EIC rupees were hammered (KM 218.3). All were likely struck at the Soho mint to the EIC's specification, with the Surat mintmark used to increase its acceptability.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 5.83 g, silver.
Catalog reference: KM-223; Prid-288.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900, 9th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- Stevens, Paul, The Coins of the English East India Company, Presidency Series: A Catalogue and Pricelist. London, Spink & Son Ltd, 2017.
- [1]Orsini, Matt, Kyle Ponterio and Jeremy Bostwick, February 2023 World Collectors Choice Online Auction, featuring the David Sterling Collection, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers Galleries, Inc., 2023.
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