Ceylon 1898 1/4 cent
This quarter cent piece was struck 1870 and 1890-1900 as part of the decimal currency reform of 1870 in Ceylon. The earlier mix of stivers and rixdollars was inherited by the British from the Dutch, who occupied the island until 1796. Bronze ¼, ½, 1 and 5 cents were issued in bronze and 25 and 50 cents issued in silver. Ceylon attained its independence in 1948 after the British left India and is now known as Sri Lanka. This specimen was lot 23518 in Heritage sale 3024 (Chicago, April 2013), where it sold for $1,410. The catalog description[1] noted, "Victoria silver 1/4 Cent 1898, KM90a, Proof 63 PCGS, a choice little coin with rich old-time patina. Very scarce in silver."
Recorded mintage: 160,000.
Specification: copper plus a few specimen strikes in silver (KM 90a).
Catalog reference: KM 90.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1901-2000, 47th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- [1]Bierrenbach, Cristiano, Warren Tucker and David Michaels, Heritage World and Ancient Coins Auction 3024, featuring the Kairos and Elizabeth McPhall Charters Collections, Dallas: Heritage Auction Galleries, 2013.
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