Description
Country or authority: British India, East India Company, Madras Presidency
Year or date range: 1797
Denomination: 1/96 rupee (½ dub)
Composition: Copper
Ruler or portrait: East India Company arms; no ruler portrait
Weight g: 6.77
Mint or mintmark: Soho Mint, Birmingham, England; attributed by type, not a visible mintmark
Catalogue references: KM 397 (Madras Presidency)
Obverse description: Company arms with a quartered shield supported by two lions, their heads apparently facing forward, each holding a flagstaff. Helmet and lion crest above; worn inscribed scroll below. Broad rim legend reads AUSPICIO REGIS ET SENATUS AN[…]. Below the arms: 96; lower rim panel: [T]O ONE RUPEE.
Reverse description: Heart-shaped Company balemark divided by a saltire, containing V above, E left, I right and C below, surmounted by a large 4. Incuse rim legend UNITED EAST INDIA COMPANY; date 1797 below.
Description and condition notes: Reported weight 6.77 g. Wear affects the shield, supporters, scroll and portions of the rim lettering. Dark brown surfaces.
