India 1898-B rupee
This specimen was lot 74316 in Stack's Bowers Collector's Choice sale (Costa Mesa, CA, February 2022), where it sold for $2,280. The catalog description[1] noted, "INDIA. Rupee Restrike, "1898"-B. Bombay Mint. Victoria. PCGS PROOF-63. Pop: 1, none graded finer by PCGS. A glossy and flashy Proof, RARE in this lofty grade, with deep multicolored toning that dazzles from the surfaces of both sides." This date appears to been struck only in proof. The minting of rupees was interrupted several times in the 1890's as British authorities struggled to prevent the falling price of silver from disrupting the Indian economy and balance of payments. World War One finally solved their problem by raising the price of silver and removing gold from circulation.
Recorded mintage: 6,268,000 + proofs and restrikes.
Specification: 11.66 g, 0.917 fine silver, 30.79 mm diameter.
Catalog reference: KM-492; SW-6.148.
- 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 February 2022 World Collectors Choice Online Auction - Ancients & World Coins, Featuring Selections from the Kings Norton Mint Collection, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers LLC, 2022.
Link to: