India 1881(b) 2 annas

from Stack's Bowers 2016 ANA sale, lot 22568

This specimen was lot 22568 in Stack's Bowers ANA sale (Anaheim, CA, August 2016), where it sold for $1,116.25. The catalog description^[1] noted, "INDIA. 2 Annas, 1881-(B). NGC MS-64. Type C bust, Type II reverse. RARE variety. Bright and lustrous with abundant eye appeal." This type was issued at Calcutta and Bombay 1877-1901 in a bewildering array of varieties, including proofs, off-metal strikes and restrikes. The type is the smallest silver denomination. It is distinguished from the type issued 1862-76 by the obverse legend, "VICTORIA EMPRESS" instead of "VICTORIA QUEEN."

Recorded mintage: 2,449,000 plus more from Calcutta.

Specification: 1.46 g, .917 silver, .043 troy oz ASW.

Catalog reference: KM-488; S&W-6.365.

Source:

• 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]Ponterio, Richard, The August 2016 Anaheim ANA Auction: Ancient Coins, World Coins & Paper Money, Santa Ana, CA: Stack's Bowers LLC, 2016.

Link to:

• 1879-C 2 annas
• 1881-C 2 annas
• 1881(b) quarter rupee
• 1881-C quarter rupee
• 1881(b) half rupee
• 1881-C half rupee
• 1881(b) rupee
• 1881-C rupee
• 1881(c) mohur
• 1882(b) 2 annas
• Coins and currency dated 1881
• return to coins of India