India 1911(c) 1/4 rupee
This specimen was lot 24266 in Heritage sale 3020 (Long Beach, September 2012), where it sold for $2,585. The catalog description[1] noted, "1911C ¼ Rupee, Choice Frosty BU. One of the key type coins of the British India series. Just to use as a comparison for the differences in catalogue pricing vs. 'real world' collecting. We know of 2 1911 1/2 Rupees selling for over $5,000 each, quite a difference to consider. Purchased from Randy Weir in the early 1990's for $75. From The Ted Reams Collection." The C mintmark was for Calcutta. Both the Calcutta and Bombay mints remain in operation today. In the 1950's and 1960's both mints restruck coins of the Raj for sale to collectors; many restrikes may be distinguished by rusty dies. The 1911 issues aroused considerable controversy as the king appears to be wearing a pig on his coronation robe. The 1912 issue was modified to make the animal look more like the intended elephant.
Recorded mintage: 2,245,000 plus proofs and restrikes.
Specification: 2.92 g, 0.917 fine silver, .086 troy oz ASW, 19.3-20 mm diameter.
Catalog reference: KM 517.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1901-2000, 47th 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]Tucker, Warren, and Cris Bierrenbach, Heritage Signature Auction 3020: World Coins, Dallas, TX: Heritage Auction Galleries, 2012.
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