India 1944(c) 1/2 anna
This specimen was lot 75135 in Stack's Bowers Collectors Choice sale (Costa Mesa, CA, September 2024), where it sold for $65. The catalog description[1] noted, "INDIA. 1/2 Anna, 1944-(C). Calcutta Mint. George VI. NGC MS-67. An impressive Superb Gem, easily earning its lofty grade due to its virtually impeccable originality and mint frost." The half anna was not introduced as a circulating denomination until 1940 when it was issued as a copper-nickel coin by Bombay and Calcutta. It was converted to nickel-brass and struck in large numbers 1942-45 and again in copper-nickel 1946-47. This type was struck for circulation at Calcutta 1942-45. The Bombay mint struck this for circulation in 1942 only (1943-45 are all restrikes).
Recorded mintage: 514,800,000 plus proofs.
Specification: 2.92 g, nickel-brass, 19.8 mm diameter.
Catalog reference: KM-534b.2; S&W-9.203; Prid-985.
- 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, September 2024 World Collectors Choice Online Auction, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers Galleries, Inc., 2024.
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