½ Chitra Rupee - Chithira Thirunal Bala Rama Varma II 1116-1121 (1941-1946) front ½ Chitra Rupee - Chithira Thirunal Bala Rama Varma II 1116-1121 (1941-1946) back
½ Chitra Rupee - Chithira Thirunal Bala Rama Varma II 1116-1121 (1941-1946) photo
© Joseph Kunnappally

½ Chitra Rupee - Chithira Thirunal Bala Rama Varma II

 
Silver (.500) 5.31 g 24 mm
Description
Issuer
Kingdom of Travancore (Indian Hindu Dynasties)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Years
1116-1121 (1941-1946)
Calendar
India - Kollam era
Value
½ Rupee
Currency
Rupee (1729-1947)
Composition
Silver (.500)
Weight
5.31 g
Diameter
24 mm
Thickness
1.53 mm
Shape
Round
Technique
Milled
Orientation
Medal alignment ↑↑
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-05
References
Numista
N#26216
Rarity index
54%

Reverse

Date and value within sprays, legend in English surrounds

Lettering:
BALA RAMA VARMA
CHITRA
1121
HALF RUPEE
TRAVANCORE

Edge

Security

Comment

- Sree Padmanbhadasa Sree Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma, popularly known as Sree Chithira Thirunal, was the last ruling Maharaja of the Princely State of Travancore, in southern India till 1949 and later the Titular Maharajah of Travancore till 1991. He was the eldest son of Moolam Thirunal Sethu Parvathi Bayi, and Sri Pooram Nal Ravi Varma Koyi Thampuran of the Royal House of Kilimanoor. He became the Maharajah of Travancore, at the age of 12, upon the death of his maternal great uncle, the then Maharajah of Travancore Sree Moolam Thirunal Rama Varma, on August 7, 1924. He reigned under the regency of his maternal aunt, Sethu Lakshmi Bayi (1924-1931), until he came of age and was invested with full ruling powers on November 6, 1931.
 Reign : 1924 - 1949
 Coronation: August 7, 1924
 Predecessor: Moolam Thirunal Rama Varma VI
 Regent: Sethu Lakshmi Bayi (1924-1931)
 Successor: Monarchy abolished after Indian Independence
 Born: November 7, 1912, Travancore
 Died: July 20, 1991 (aged 78), Thiruvananthapuram
 Regnal name: Major General H. H. Sree Padmanabhadasa Vanchipala Sir Balarama Varma III Kulasekhara Kiritapathi Manney Sultan Maharajah Raja Ramaraja Bahadur Shamsher Jang, Maharajah of Travancore, GCSI, GCIE
 House: Thrippappoor Keezhperur Swaroopam, Venad Swaroopam
 Father: Pooram Nal Ravi Varma Kochu Koyi Thampuran of Kilimanor
 Mother: Amma Maharani Moolam Thirunal Sethu Parvathi Bayi of Travancore
 Religion: Hinduism
- Note: KM 67 Security edge, KM 64 Milled edge
- Over date in ME 1118 - 8 over 6 type (click on image to zoom)

Interesting fact

The ½ Chitra Rupee coin from the Kingdom of Travancore features a unique blend of Indian and Western influences in its design. The obverse side bears the image of King Chithira Thirunal Bala Rama Varma II, while the reverse side features the Travancore coat of arms, which includes a depiction of the mythical creature, the Makuta, a symbol of the kingdom's royal family. This coin is a rare and valuable collector's item, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the Indian Hindu dynasties.

Price

Date Mintage VG F VF XF AU UNC
1116 (1941)  1600000 - - - - - -
1118 (1943)  1111000 - - - - - -
1121 (1946)  200000 - - - - - -

Values in the table are based on evaluations by sales realized on Internet platforms. They serve as an indication only for ½ Chitra Rupee - Chithira Thirunal Bala Rama Varma II 1116-1121 (1941-1946) coin.