India 1875(c) 1/2 anna
This specimen was lot 1610 in SINCONA Auction 97 (Zürich, May 2025), where it sold for 1,100 CHF (about US$1,596 including buyers' fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"East India Company, Victoria, 1837-1901. 1/2 Anna 1875, Calcutta. Seltener Jahrgang. NGC AU Details. Leicht korrodiert. (India, Victoria, 1837-1901, half anna of 1875, Calcutta mint. Rare date, Slightly corroded.)"
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 Calcutta product being 31.3 mm diameter, altho Calcutta was the sole producer of the 1875's and 1876's.
Recorded mintage: 1,146,000.
Specifications: 12.7 g, copper, 31.3 mm diameter, this specimen 12.66 g.
Catalog reference: KM 468.
- 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]Richter, Jurg, SINCONA Auction 97: World and Swiss Coins and Medals, SINCONA Bullion Auction, Zürich: SINCONA AG, 2025.
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