India 1897-C rupee
This specimen was lot 31012 in Heritage sale 3035 (Long Beach, September 2014), where it sold for $1,762.50. The catalog description[1] noted, "British India. Victoria Rupee 1897-C MS62 NGC, Calcutta mint. Absolutely delightful silvery surfaces with boldly struck detail. The key date in the series and absolutely worthy of a premium bid." This rupee was struck at the Calcutta mint plus 1,055,000 more from the Bombay mint. They may be distinguished by a tiny mintmark in the flower directly above the "ONE" on the reverse. The type was issued beginning in 1877; earlier dates (KM 473, 1862-76) had the obverse legend "VICTORIA QUEEN." This is one of the scarce dates in an otherwise plentiful series.
Recorded mintage: 470,000 plus proofs and restrikes.
Specifications: 11.66 g, .917 silver, .343 troy oz ASW.
Catalog reference: KM 492.
- 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]Bierrenbach, Cristiano, and Warren Tucker, Heritage Signature Auction 3035, World and Ancient Coins, featuring the FoxLair Collection and the Law Collection, Dallas: Heritage Auction Galleries, 2014.
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