India 1881-C 1/2 rupee
This specimen was lot 1611 in SINCONA Auction 97 (Zürich, May 2025), where it sold for 2,500 CHF (about US$3,626 including buyers' fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"East India Company Victoria, 1837-1901. 1/2 Rupee 1881, Calcutta. Selten in dieser Erhaltung. NGC MS63. Feine Patina. (India, Victoria, 1837-1901, half rupee of 1881, Calcutta mint. Rare in this condition, Nicely toned.)"
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 not rare but is infrequently seen compared to the silver rupee. It is distinguished from the type issued 1862-76 by the obverse legend, "VICTORIA EMPRESS" instead of "VICTORIA QUEEN." Both the 1881-B and 1881-C are scarce.
Recorded mintage: 921,000 plus proofs.
Specifications: 11.66 g, 0.917 fine silver, 24 mm diameter, this specimen 5.84 g.
Catalog reference: KM 491.
- 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, SINCONA Auction 97: World and Swiss Coins and Medals, SINCONA Bullion Auction, Zürich: SINCONA AG, 2025.
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