British India Coins
The monetary history of British India is fascinating and reflects the political and economic changes in the region. During the colonial period, the Indian monetary system underwent major transformations that laid the foundation for the country's modern currency.
Colonial monetary system
Under British rule, the rupee system was introduced in 1835, replacing the various local currencies. The rupee was divided into 16 annas, and each anna into 4 pice or 12 feet. The most common coins were silver and included denominations such as 1 rupee, 8 annas and 4 annas. In 1862, the first official government bank bills were issued, marking an important milestone in India's numismatic history.
Transition to independence
As India approached independence, the monetary system began to evolve. In 1940, the portrait of King George VI was introduced on coins, who would be the last British monarch to appear on Indian currency. After independence in 1947, India continued to use the rupee system, but redesigned its coins and banknotes to reflect its new national identity. The Ashoka Lion and the Ashoka Wheel became prominent symbols on the new currency, ushering in a new era in Indian numismatics.
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British India is a country that does not exist today. It is now part of the India coins.
The most valuable coins
The most valuable British India coins and sought after by collectors according to Foronum statistics are the following:
The valuation of these coins has been achieved through a meticulous algorithm that considers the current market, taking into account aspects such as material, weight, diameter, edge, year of mintage, mint of manufacture and the number of coins produced. Coins with limited mintages and in good condition are usually among the most valuable.
Coin Catalog
1/16 dollar (George IV)
1 pie
5 cash
5 cash
1/4 anna
1/4 anna
1/2 anna
1/2 anna
2 annas
2 annas
2 annas
1/4 anna
1/2 pice
1/12 anna
1/4 anna
1/2 anna
2 annas
1/12 anna
1/2 pice
1/4 anna
Other resources to find coins and banknotes of British India
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