India 1879-C mohur
This specimen was lot 518 in Sincona sale 46 (Zürich, May 2018), where it sold for 4,250 CHF (about US$5,100 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"Victoria 1837-1901. 1 Mohur 1879 C, Kalkutta. Selten. Vorzüglich. (British India, Victoria, 1837-1901, one mohur of 1879, Calcutta mint. Rare, Extremely fine)"
This type was issued at Calcutta and Bombay 1877-1891 in a bewildering array of varieties, including proofs, off-metal strikes and restrikes. The type is the largest gold denomination. It is distinguished from the type issued 1862-75 by the obverse legend, "VICTORIA EMPRESS" instead of "VICTORIA QUEEN."
Recorded mintage: 19,000.
Specification: 11.66 g, .917 gold silver, .343 troy oz AGW, this specimen 11.65 g.
Catalog reference: KM 496, Fr-1604.
- 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.
- 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, Jürg, Auction 46, Gold Coins and Medals, Zürich: Sincona AG, 2018.
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