India 1912(b) 2 annas
This two annas was struck at the Bombay mint before World War One. The type was struck 1912-17 and is common in all grades but still makes a handsome coin in nice condition. It was converted to copper-nickel in 1918 and struck in that alloy until 1941. This specimen was part of lot 21047 in Stack's Bowers ANA sale (Anaheim, CA, August 2016), which sold for $3,760. The catalog description[1] noted, "INDIA. George V. Seven Piece Restrike Proof Set, 1912. NGC PROOF-63 to 66. KM-508, 510, 512, 515, 518, 522, 524. RARE AS A SET. Any one of these coins alone would be a prized addition to a collection of British India, to locate a seven coin set in this quality is an extraordinary opportunity. Much like the Victoria set also offered in this sale, the coins seen here are nicely matched and within a narrow grade range. Two of the three copper issues are full RED with only the 1/12 Anna receiving the RED BROWN designation, though it too is far and away mostly red. The silver pieces are lightly toned on the obverse with darker toning loaded with color on the reverses. Grades from smallest to largest denomination are as follows: PROOF-64 RB, PROOF-64 RD, PROOF-63 RD, PROOF-65, PROOF-66, PROOF-64 and PROOF-65. A set worthy of serious consideration, and sure to attract much interest."
Recorded mintage: 2,462,000 plus 7,724,000 from Calcutta.
Specification: 1.46 g, 0.917 fine silver, .042 troy oz ASW.
Catalog reference: KM 515.
- 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]Ponterio, Richard, The August 2016 Anaheim ANA Auction: Ancient Coins, World Coins & Paper Money, Santa Ana, CA: Stack's Bowers LLC, 2016.
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