India 1835(b) mohur
This specimen was lot 52340 in Stack's Bowers ANA sale (Pittsburgh, PA, August 2023), where it sold for $31,200. The catalog description[1] noted, "Reflective Near-Gem William IV Proof Mohur. INDIA. British East India Company. Mohur, 1835-(B). Bombay Mint. William IV. NGC PROOF-64. A simply phenomenal near-Gem proof Mohur, this wonderful piece offers a glimmer and sharp eye appeal with rich reflectivity represented throughout the flan. Escaping the heavy hairlining that is sometimes present on proof restrikes, this example delivers a nearly unimpeded beauty and allure. A pleasant piece that should appeal to all specialists in British Indian coinage seeking to add a capstone piece to their collection." The mohor, the gold version of the rupee, was introduced by the Mughals during their rule. The British struck a few during teir Raj but never made it a major production item. This type never proceeded beyond the pattern stage.
Recorded mintage: unknown, all restrikes and proofs.
Specification: 11.66 g, 0.917 fine gold, 25 mm diameter, milled edge.
Catalog reference: Fr-1593B; KM-451.1; S&W-1.16; Prid-17.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900, 9th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- Stevens, Paul, and Randy Weir, The Uniform Coinage of India, 1835 to 1947, A Catalogue and Pricelist, London, Spink & Son Ltd, 2012.
- Friedberg, Arthur L. and Ira S. Friedberg, Gold Coins of the World, From Ancient Times to the Present, 9th ed., Clifton, NJ: Coin and Currency Institute, 2017.
- [1]Orsini, Matt, Kyle Ponterio and Jeremy Bostwick, August 2023 Global Showcase Auction, World & Ancient Coins, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers Galleries, Inc., 2023.
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