India 1888-B 1/2 rupee

from Stack's Bowers 2016 ANA sale, lot 22571

This specimen was lot 22571 in Stack's Bowers ANA sale (Anaheim, CA, August 2016), where it sold for $998.75. The catalog description^[1] noted, "INDIA. 1/2 Rupee, 1888-(B). NGC MS-63. Sharply struck and attractive." note clashed die reverse. 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 second largest silver denomination. It is distinguished from the type issued 1862-76 by the obverse legend, "VICTORIA EMPRESS" instead of "VICTORIA QUEEN." For 1888, the Bombay product comes with and without the "B" mintmark; this specimen is with.

Recorded mintage: 1,748,000 plus more from Calcutta.

Specification: 5.83 g, 0.917 fine silver, .171 troy oz ASW.

Catalog reference: KM-491.

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:

• 1887-B half rupee
• 1887-C half rupee
• 1888 ½ pice
• 1888(c) quarter anna
• 1888-B 2 annas
• 1888-B quarter rupee
• 1888(c) quarter rupee
• 1888-C half rupee
• 1888-B rupee
• 1888-C rupee
• 1888(c) mohur
• 1889-C half rupee
• Coins and currency dated 1888
• return to coins of India