India 1894-C 1/4 rupee
This specimen was lot 22572 in Stack's Bowers ANA sale (Anaheim, CA, August 2016), where it sold for $329. The catalog description[1] noted, "INDIA. 1/4 Rupee, 1894-C. NGC MS-64. Type C bust, Type II reverse. Sharply struck with bright attractive luster." 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 third largest silver denomination. It is distinguished from the type issued 1862-76 by the obverse legend, "VICTORIA EMPRESS" instead of "VICTORIA QUEEN." For 1894, the Bombay product comes with the "B" mintmark and Calcutta is marked with an incuse "C" on the lower lotus blossom on the reverse. The mintmarks (or lack of them) varied from year to year.
Recorded mintage: 6,435,000 plus more from Bombay.
Specification: 2.92 g, 0.917 fine silver, .171 troy oz ASW.
Catalog reference: KM-490.
- 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.
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