India 1894 1/2 pice

Stack's Bowers 2023 ANA sale, lot 52358

This specimen was lot 52358 in Stack's Bowers ANA sale (Pittsburgh, PA, August 2023), where it sold for $1,800. The catalog description^[1] noted, "INDIA. 1/2 Pice, 1894-(C). Calcutta Mint. Victoria. NGC PROOF-64 Brown. An elusive date in proof, this pleasing example delivers rich luster and strong tomes of mint red remaining. The details are crisp and clear, with this example likely being an original striking or early restrike, as the luster is uninterrupted by lacquer or hairlining that is common on later restrikes. A beautiful piece that is quite assured many bids, as we were unable to trace a proof example of this date as having traded since 2013." This type was struck 1877-78 and 1885-1901 in moderate quantities and was worth one-eighth of an anna. Calcutta was the sole producer. While the proofs are rare, the circulation strike is common.

Recorded mintage: 7,777,000 plus proofs and restrikes.

Specification: 3.0-3.3 g, copper, 21 mm diameter.

Catalog reference: KM-484; S&W-6.581.

Source:

• 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]Orsini, Matt, Kyle Ponterio and Jeremy Bostwick, August 2023 Global Showcase Auction, World & Ancient Coins, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers Galleries, Inc., 2023.

Link to:

• 1893 ½ pice
• 1894 1/12 anna
• 1894(c) quarter anna
• 1894-B 2 annas
• 1894-C 2 annas
• 1894-C quarter rupee
• 1894-B half rupee
• 1894-C half rupee
• 1895 ½ pice
• Coins and currency dated 1894