© Museum Victoria
© Museum Victoria
⅛ Rupee - Shah Alam II ND
| Silver | 1.42 g | 14 mm |
| Issuer | Bengal Presidency (British India) |
|---|---|
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 1779-1812 |
| Value | ⅛ Rupee (0.125) |
| Currency | Rupee (1765-1835) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 1.42 g |
| Diameter | 14 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#76392 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Legend in Persian (mostly off the flan): Zarb Muhammadabad Banaras sanat 17 (ry) julus maimanat manus
Translation: Struck at Muhammadabad Banaras in the 17/(ry) year of his reign of tranquil prosperity.
Edge
Plain
Comment
- Diameter varies 13 - 14.8 mm- The reverse of this coin has the two regnal years (RY) frozen 17 and 49. The East India Company had insisted on the frozen RY 17 to stop the coins being devalued when a new RY year appeared in circulation. The intention seems to have been misunderstood, although the frozen 17 was complied with, the correct RY dating was continued until the death of the Emperor in RY 49 after which this date too was frozen. The earliest date on which this coin could have been struck was 1806, Shah Alam II 49th year, he died on 18 November 1806. A new issue struck on slightly broader flans was introduced in 1812 the production of this coin precedes that date.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the ⅛ Rupee - Shah Alam II ND (1779-1812) coin from Bengal Presidency (British India) is that it was made of silver, which was a significant departure from the previous coins of the Bengal Presidency, which were made of copper. This change in material was likely due to the scarcity of copper during that time period. The use of silver in the coinage of the Bengal Presidency during this period was a unique feature that set it apart from other coins of the British India.
