India 1945-L rupee
This specimen was lot 1132 in Sedwick sale 25 (Winter Park, FL, May 2019), where it sold for $6,545. The catalog description[1] noted, "Lahore, India (British), original proof rupee, 1945-L, George VI, normal 5, PCGS PR65, finest and only example in PCGS census (and none at NGC). Broad flan, deep rainbow toning (speckled on obverse), no marks or wear, rare as an original proof (not a restrike) with original mint envelope, and presumably the finest known, ostensibly nicer than the only other example we have seen at auction in recent times (the Pittman specimen sold at Baldwin's in 2013). This and the next three lots comprise an important original proof set that was produced during World War II just prior to full Indian independence in 1948. PCGS #36334453. With original His Majesty's Mint paper envelope." The minting of silver rupees was substantial during the first part of George V's reign but ended in 1922. A few presentation pieces were made 1935-36 but production for circulation did not resume until 1938. This type, with fineness lowered to 0.500 fine, was issued 1939-45. The bust was modified to a lower relief in 1942.
Recorded mintage: 118,126,000. small 5 is common, large 5 is rare.
Specification: 11.66 g, 0.500 fine silver.
Catalog reference: KM 557.1, S&W-9.35.
- 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]Sedwick, Daniel Frank, Augi Garcia and Cori Sedwick Downing, Treasure Auction 25, Winter Park, FL: Daniel Frank Sedwick LLC, 2019.
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