India 1862(b) 1/2 anna
This specimen was lot 56534 in Stack's Bowers ANA sale (Pittsburgh, PA, August 2023), where it sold for $1,380. The catalog description[1] noted, "INDIA. 1/2 Anna, 1862-(B). Bombay Mint. Victoria. NGC MS-62 Brown." This type was issued at Madras, Calcutta and Bombay 1862 and 1875-76 in a bewildering array of varieties, including proofs, off-metal strikes and restrikes. The type is not rare but is infrequently seen compared to the smaller coppers. It is distinguished from the type issued 1877-1901 by the obverse legend, "VICTORIA QUEEN" instead of "VICTORIA EMPRESS." The products of the three mints are distinguishable by their diameter, the Bombay product being 30.5 mm diameter.
Recorded mintage: 4,802,000 plus restrikes.
Specification: 12.7 g, copper, 30.5 mm diameter.
Catalog reference: KM-468; S&W-4.158; Prid-578.
- 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.
- [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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