¼ Rupee - Moolam Thirunal Rama Varma VI 1889 front ¼ Rupee - Moolam Thirunal Rama Varma VI 1889 back
¼ Rupee - Moolam Thirunal Rama Varma VI 1889 photo
© Joseph Kunnappally

¼ Rupee - Moolam Thirunal Rama Varma VI

1889 year
Silver (.949) 2.72 g 20 mm
Description
Issuer
Kingdom of Travancore (Indian Hindu Dynasties)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Year
1889
Value
¼ Rupee
Currency
Rupee (1729-1947)
Composition
Silver (.949)
Weight
2.72 g
Diameter
20 mm
Thickness
1.15 mm
Shape
Round
Technique
Milled
Orientation
Medal alignment ↑↑
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-05
References
Numista
N#38951
Rarity index
87%

Reverse

Denomination and date within sprays, legend in English surrounds

Lettering:
RAMA VURMA
1/4 RUPEE
1889
TRAVANCORE

Edge

Reeded

Comment

- Moolam Thirunal Rama Varma was the ruling Maharajah of the Indian state of Travancore between 1885 and 1924, succeeding his uncle Maharajah Visakham Thirunal (1880–1885).
 Predecessor: Visakham Thirunal Rama Varma
 Successor: Pooradam Thirunal Sethu Lakshmi Bayi (Regent)
 Born: September 25, 1857
 Died: March 7, 1924 (aged 66)
 Full name: HH The Maharajah of Travancore Sree Padmanabhadasa Vanchipala Sir Rama Varma VI
 House: Venad Swaroopam
 Dynasty: Kulasekhara
 Father: Changanassery Raja Raja Varma
 Mother: Rani Lakshmi Bayi
 Religion: Hinduism
Shape of conch shell and size of lettering differs from KM52

Die variations exist (click on images below)
 Observed 5-6 different dies for obverse & reverse each used to make these quarter rupee coins. These obverse & reverse dies are used in various combinations also. This way found atleast 13 different die combination coins so far. These are given below in 3 images.

Image 1 - 5 Main types


Image 2 - Type III - 5 Varieties


Image 3 - Type IV - 5 Varieties

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about this coin is that it features a unique blend of Indian and European influences in its design. The obverse side of the coin bears the image of Moolam Thirunal Rama Varma VI, the ruler of the Kingdom of Travancore, in a traditional Indian style, while the reverse side features a Western-style wreath surrounding the denomination and year of issue. This blending of styles reflects the cultural exchange and influences that were prevalent during the time period in which the coin was minted.