India 1898-B 1/4 rupee
This specimen was lot 33863 in Heritage sale 3106 (New York, January 2023), where it sold for $1,440. The catalog description[1] noted, "British India. Victoria Proof Restrike 1/4 Rupee 1898-B PR66 PCGS, Bombay mint. A stunning selection from this ever-popular series of British India coinage, regardless of its status as an original or restrike. Clearly an earlier issue compared to those from the mid-20th century, yet still with abundant granularity indicating die rust. Despite this, the appearances are full and accented by a pleasing lavender patina streaking across both faces. The only occupant currently at PCGS's census and commensurate with bids consistent with that fact." The mintmarks (or lack of them) varied from year to year; for 1898, Bombay used an incuse mintmark.
Recorded mintage: 4,949,000 plus a few restrikes and proofs.
Specification: 2.92 g, 0.917 fine silver, .086 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]Cristiano Bierrenbach, Warren Tucker and Sam Spiegel, 2023 January 17 - 18 NYINC World & Ancient Coins Signature Auction #3106, Dallas, TX: Heritage Auction Galleries, 2022.
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