India 1897-B 2 annas
This specimen was lot 38680 in Stack's Bowers NYINC sale (New York, January 2025), where it sold for $125. The catalog description[1] noted, "INDIA. 2 Annas, 1897-B. Bombay Mint. Victoria. NGC MS-62." This type was issued at Calcutta and Bombay 1877-1901 in a bewildering array of varieties, including proofs, off-metal strikes and restrikes. This specimen is a product of the Calcutta mint. The type was the smallest silver coin and was equal to 1/8 rupee; it was superseded by a copper-nickel coin in 1918. It is distinguished from the type issued 1862-76 by the obverse legend, "VICTORIA EMPRESS" instead of "VICTORIA QUEEN." The 1897-B has an incuse mintmark.
Recorded mintage: 8,041,000 plus proofs.
Specification: 1.46 g, 0.917 fine silver, .043 troy oz ASW.
Catalog reference: KM-488; S&W-6.436; Prid-512.
- 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, January 2025 NYINC Showcase Auction, featuring the Richard Margolis Collection, Part III, and the Richard August Collection, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers Galleries, Inc., 2024.
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