Introduction to British India Coinage

British India Coinage

In India British issued the coins between 1835 to 1947. The coins issued between 1835 to 1858 was struck under the authority of East India Company (EIC). In 1858, EIC rule was taken over by British government due to "Sepoy Mutiny" also known as "First war of Indian Independence". Coins issued between 1862 to 1947 was struck under the authority of crown also known as Regal issue.

British Rulers

Coins issued between 1862 to 1947 carried the portrait of the crowned emperor or empress of England. Coinage during this period was termed as "Imperial Coinage" or "Uniform Coinage". During this period the coins were issued uniformly to whole of India (Including Current Pakistan, Bangladesh and Burma). During East India Company authority the portrait of King William IV was struck in the coins. Following is the list of emperors/empress authority period during the issue of British India coin.

1. William VI (1830 - 1837 A.D)
2. Queen Victoria ( 1837 - 1901 A.D)
3. Edward VII (1901 - 1910 A.D)
4. George V ( 1911 - 1936 A.D)
5. George VI ( 1936 - 1947 A.D)

William VI Emperor

Victoria Empress

Edward VII Emperor

George V Emperor

George VI Emperor

Coins under British Rule

British India monetary system contains Pice, Annas and Rupees. Following is the monetary system followed in British India.

3 Pies = 1 Pice

4 Pice = 1 Anna

16 Annas = 1 Rupee

15 Rupees = 1 Mohur

There are 16 Denominations was followed between 1835 - 1947 A.D. They are,

1. 1/2 Pice
2. 1 Pice
3. 1/12 Anna
4. One Quarter Anna
5. 1 Anna
6. 2 Annas
7. 4 Annas
8. 8 Annas
9. Quarter Rupee
10. Half Rupee
11. 1 Rupee
12. 5 Rupees
13. 10 Rupees
14. 15 Rupees
15. 1 Mohur
16. 2 Mohur

Various Coin Denominations