India 1940(b) 2 annas KM-541
This specimen was lot 75148 in Stack's Bowers Collector's Choice sale (Costa Mesa, CA, February 2024), where it sold for $65. The catalog description[1] noted, "INDIA. 2 Annas, 1940-(B). Bombay Mint. George VI. PCGS MS-62. Dazzling lustrous surfaces with splashes of gentle champagne toning. Fully captivating just at a glance." This denomination, formerly silver, was converted to copper-nickel in 1918 and struck in that alloy until 1941. The bust shown here is the low relief "second head". A few high relief (first head, KM 540) were struck in 1940 but are rare.. Nickel brass was introduced in 1942 and used until 1946 when the coin was switched back to copper-nickel. The administration also attempted to circulate copper-nickel four and eight annas but failed. The outbreak of World War Two spelled the end of the Raj and the British left in 1947, ending the series.
Recorded mintage: 50,599,000, including a few KM 540.
Specification: 5.84 g, copper-nickel, 25 mm diameter.
Catalog reference: KM-541; S&W-9.117; Prid-915.
- 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]Orsini, Matt, Kyle Ponterio and Jeremy Bostwick, February 2024 World Collectors Choice Online Auction, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers Galleries, Inc., 2024.
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