2020-01-31 Fri

William IIII half rupees were in circulation side by side one rupee by the end of 1835 issued from Calcutta mint. Bombay mint had issues with the matrix dies sent from Calcutta hence, the Bombay mint decided to issue their matrix dies for half a rupee. In all probability, specimens were submitted for approval to concerned authorities but these were not used as currency coin.

The rupee had initials MD at the truncation as usual of the bust. Interestingly the half rupee pattern did not have any initials. Numismatists and British India coin collectors have to rely on experience and skill to identify the style of design to distinguish the coin.

Based on complaints by Bombay mint in 1836, half a rupee die was expedited and regular half rupees were minted from Bombay mint with date 1835.

This half rupee issued in the year 1835 from the Bombay mint bears the bust of Willian IV the obverse side of the coin. The reverse side of the coins bears 20 Berries.

Image Courtesy: Todywalla Auction