India 1890-B 2 annas
This specimen was lot 71655 in Stack's Bowers Collector's Choice sale (Costa Mesa, CA, June 2021), where it sold for $90. The catalog description[1] noted, "INDIA. 2 Annas, 1890-B. Bombay Mint. Victoria. PCGS MS-61 Gold Shield. Variety with incuse B. A pleasing Mint State minor, this example presents some shimmering radiance and a light golden tone in a few spots." 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." This date, which features both raised and incuse mintmarks, is common.
Recorded mintage: 7,790,000.
Specification: 1.46 g, 0.917 fine silver, 15.7 mm diameter.
Catalog reference: KM-488; S&W-6.404; Prid-545.
- 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]Orsini, Matt, Kyle Ponterio and Jeremy Bostwick, The June 2021 Collector's Choice sale: World and Ancient Coins, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers LLC, 2021.
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