India 1898-C 2 annas
This specimen was lot 72614 in Stack's Bowers Collector's Choice sale (Costa Mesa, CA, May 2023), where it sold for $660. The catalog description[1] noted, "INDIA. 2 Annas, 1898-C. Calcutta Mint. Victoria. NGC MS-64. Quite wholesome and pleasing, this sparkling and charming example delivers good luster and soft toning throughout the devices." 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 The type was the smallest silver coin and was equal to 1/8 rupee; it was superseded by a copper-nickel coin in 1918.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 SCWC does not record proofs or restrikes for this date. The mintmark is an incuse "C". The Bombay mint contributed another 3,250,000.
Recorded mintage: 4,011,000.
Specification: 1.46 g, .917 silver, .043 troy oz ASW.
Catalog reference: KM-488; S&W-6.441; Prid-513.
- 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, February 2023 World Collectors Choice Online Auction, featuring the David Sterling Collection, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers Galleries, Inc., 2023.
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