India 1887-B 1/2 rupee

from Steve Album sale 45, lot 1021

This specimen was lot 1021 in Stephen Album sale 45 (Santa Rosa, CA, January 2023), where it sold for $2,640. The catalog description^[1] noted, "BRITISH INDIA: Victoria, Empress, 1876-1901, AR ½ rupee, 1887-B, KM-491, S&W-6.198, raised mintmark, an attractive mint state example, PCGS graded MS62." This type was issued at Calcutta and Bombay 1877-1901 in a bewildering array of varieties, including proofs, off-metal strikes and restrikes. The type is the second largest silver denomination and is much less often seen than the rupee. It is distinguished from the type issued 1862-76 by the obverse legend, "VICTORIA EMPRESS" instead of "VICTORIA QUEEN." This date is marked with a B on the upper floral for Bombay. Varieties exist in the design of the queen's dress.

Recorded mintage: 407,000, common for the type.

Specifications: 5.83 g, 0.917 fine silver.

Catalog reference: KM-492.

Sources:

• Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900, 9th 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]Album, Stephen, Joseph Lang, Paul Montz, Michael Barry and Norman Douglas Nicol, Auction 45, Santa Rosa, CA: Stephen Album Rare Coins, Inc., 2022.

Link to:

• 1886-C half rupee
• 1887-B 2 annas
• 1887-C 2 annas
• 1887-B quarter rupee
• 1887-C ½ rupee
• 1887-B rupee
• 1887-C rupee
• 1888-B half rupee
• 1888-C half rupee
• Coins and currency dated 1887