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British East India Company
Victoria
½ Rupee
英國東印度公司
維多利亞
½ 盧比
Item number: A1298
Year: AD 1840
Material: Silver
Size: 24.3 x 24.3 x 1.4 mm
Weight: 5.8 g
Manufactured by: Bombay Mint
Provenance: Teutoburger Münzauktion GmbH 2023
This is a ½ rupee silver coin from AD 1840, minted by the Bombay Mint, which was operated by the British East India Company under its Royal Charter granting a monopoly on trade in India. The British East India Company played a central role in the administration and economic control of India during this period, and the coin represents the influence and power the Company held in the region during the 19th century.
The obverse of the coin is adorned with a wreath, with the upper half of the central area featuring the English inscription “HALF RUPEE.” Below that is the value of the coin in the local Indian script, Urdu, reading “هشت آن” (8 Annas), indicating its exchange value. The outer perimeter of the coin is inscribed with the issuing authority, “EAST INDIA COMPANY,” and the year of issue, “1840,” flanked by floral decorations.
On the reverse side, there is a left-facing portrait of Queen Victoria as a young woman, her hair styled in a ponytail. Surrounding the portrait is the inscription “VICTORIA QUEEN” in English. The design reflects the British East India Company’s control and the monarchy’s symbolic authority over India during the period.
The British East India Company’s involvement in the Indian subcontinent dates to AD 1618. By the 19th century, the Company had become the most powerful entity in the region, representing British imperial interests. However, the Company faced numerous operational challenges. One significant event was the Indian Mutiny of AD 1857, which was sparked by widespread dissatisfaction among the “Sepoys” (native soldiers) hired by the Company, primarily due to grievances related to religion, pay, and treatment. The rebellion grew into a large-scale revolt, which was eventually suppressed. Following the quelling of the uprising, the British government took over the administration of India from the Company, marking the end of the Company’s direct rule.
As a result of this transition, Queen Victoria was granted the title of “Empress of India” in AD 1876, reflecting the British monarchy’s formalisation of its control over the Indian subcontinent. From this point forward, any British ruler depicted on Indian coins would bear the title “Emperor/Empress” rather than “King/Queen,” symbolising the imperial nature of British rule in India.