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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.

If you are a passionate collector, this catalog offers the possibility to create your own personal collection. You can add your coins and generate a free PDF catalog from a complete database and our management tools. In addition, once registered, you will have the opportunity to exchange coins with other collectors around the world easily and free of charge.

📢 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:

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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.

Swapping available Note the coins labelled with this message, it means that there are collectors who have that coin and are willing to make a swap. Visit their collection from their personal page.

Coin Catalog

1 pie

FO#13470 KM#261
Price: 45,00€
Year: 1833
Weight: 2,16 g
Composition: Copper
Diameter: 18,00 mm
Edge: Smooth

5 cash

FO#14124 KM#316
Year: 1945
Weight: 3,23 g
Composition: Copper
Diameter: 21,10 mm
Edge: Smooth

5 cash

FO#13869 KM#317
Year: 1803
Weight: 2,41 g
Composition: Copper
Diameter: 21,00 mm
Edge: Smooth

1/4 anna

FO#8027 KM#446.1
Price: 1,25€ - 5,76€
Year: 1835
Weight: 5,96 g
Composition: Copper
Diameter: 26,00 mm
Edge: Smooth

1/4 anna

FO#9609 KM#446.2
Price: 7,50€
Year: 1835
Weight: 6,48 g
Composition: Copper
Diameter: 26,25 mm
Edge: Smooth

1/2 anna

FO#24294 KM#447.1
Year: 1835-1845
Weight: 12,35 g
Composition: Copper
Diameter: 31,00 mm
Edge: Smooth

1/2 anna

FO#24295 KM#447.2
Year: 1835
Weight: 12,35 g
Composition: Copper
Diameter: 31,00 mm
Edge: Ribbed

2 annas

FO#18999 KM#459.1
Year: 1841
Weight: 1,46 g
Composition: Silver (0,917)
Diameter: 15,80 mm
Edge: Smooth

2 annas

FO#13471 KM#460.2
Price: 15,00€
Year: 1841
Weight: 1,46 g
Composition: Silver (0,917)
Diameter: 15,30 mm
Edge: Smooth

2 annas

FO#18848 KM#460.3
Year: 1841
Weight: 1,46 g
Composition: Silver (0,917)
Diameter: 15,30 mm
Edge: Smooth

1/4 anna

FO#16669 KM#463.1
Year: 1857-1858
Weight: 6,20 g
Composition: Copper
Diameter: 25,60 mm
Edge: Smooth

1/2 pice

FO#12586 KM#464
Year: 1853
Weight: 3,23 g
Composition: Copper
Diameter: 21,00 mm
Edge: Smooth

1/12 anna

FO#7756 KM#465
Year: 1862-1962
Weight: 1,60 g
Composition: Copper
Diameter: 17,40 mm
Edge: Smooth

1/4 anna

FO#20281 KM#467
Price: 4,50€
Year: 1862
Weight: 6,14 g
Composition: Copper
Diameter: 25,18 mm
Edge: Smooth

1/2 anna

FO#15084 KM#468
Year: 1862-1876
Weight: 12,17 g
Composition: Copper
Diameter: 30,00 mm
Edge: Smooth

2 annas

FO#15083 KM#469
Year: 1862-1876
Weight: 1,46 g
Composition: Silver (0,917)
Diameter: 15,70 mm
Edge: Smooth

1/12 anna

FO#15312 KM#483
Year: 1998
Weight: 2,10 g
Composition: Copper
Diameter: 17,50 mm
Edge: Smooth

1/2 pice

FO#18594 KM#484
Year: 1898
Weight: 3,35 g
Composition: Copper
Diameter: 21,30 mm
Edge: Smooth

1/4 anna

FO#13478 KM#486
Price: 4,00€
Year: 1880
Weight: 6,40 g
Composition: Copper
Diameter: 25,00 mm
Edge: Smooth

1 rupia

FO#16930 KM#492
Price: 200,00€
Year: 1878
Weight: 11,60 g
Composition: Silver (0,917)
Diameter: 30,79 mm
Edge: Ribbed

Other resources to find coins and banknotes of British India

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