India 1946(b) 2 annas
This specimen was lot 52371 in Stack's Bowers ANA sale (Pittsburgh, PA, August 2023), where it did not sell. The catalog description[1] noted, "INDIA. 2 Annas, 1946-(B). Bombay Mint. George VI. PCGS PROOF-64. A simply wonderful proof restrike, the present example delivers rich details and soft shimmering luster throughout. Light traces of mint lacquering and fogginess account for the grade assigned, though the minor demerits do little to dampen the appeal of the piece that is only increased by the famous pedigree." The two annas, originally a silver coin (KM 515), was switched to copper-nickel in 1918 and struck in that alloy until 1941. 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.
Recorded mintage: 52,500,000 plus proofs and restrikes.
Specification: 5.74 g, copper-nickel.
Catalog reference: KM-542; S&W-9.137.
- 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, August 2023 Global Showcase Auction, World & Ancient Coins, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers Galleries, Inc., 2023.
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