© Museum Victoria
© Museum Victoria
1 Rupee Pattern
1818 year| Silver | 12.395 g | 28.7 mm |
| Issuer | Bengal Presidency (British India) |
|---|---|
| Type | Pattern |
| Year | 1818 |
| Value | 1 Rupee |
| Currency | Rupee (1765-1835) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 12.395 g |
| Diameter | 28.7 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#72050 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 92% |
Reverse
English legend: Calcutta Rupee & Persian legend: Zarb Kalkatta within open palm wreath
Lettering: Calcutta Rupee
Translation: Struck at Calcutta
Edge
Reeded
Comment
- As a move towards the unification of the currencies of British India, the Bengal Presidency increased the weight of it's 19 san rupee in August 1819. This pattern reflects ideas first put forward in 1806 that the EIC arms should appear on its coins. The weight of the piece is that of the pre-reform rupee of 1819 and it is believed to be a pattern for a new design to mark the weight increase as well as a test of the new vertical edge milling. In the event, the old design with new edge milling was proceeded with but an extra star was added to the obverse design to mark the increased weight. This pattern is unusual in that the name of the mint is given in Persian as well as the rupee being called a Calcutta rupee.Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Pattern 1 Rupee (Pattern) 1818 from Bengal Presidency (British India) made of Silver weighing 12.395g is that it was designed by a British engraver named William Wyon, who was also responsible for designing the famous "Wyon's shield" that appears on many British coins.
