Summary

1 Rupee, Issued by, Port Blair, Andaman Islands, 1861
Minted by Calcutta

Obverse Description

Young head of Queen Victoria wearing coronet l.; around, VICTORIA QUEEN; holed at centre

Reverse Description

At centre within wreath and around hole, ONE RUPEE ; around, ANDAMAN TOKEN 1861

Edge Description

Plain

Significance

In the 1830s and 1840s, crews shipwrecked on the Andaman Islands were often attacked and killed by the natives. In 1855, the British government proposed a settlement on the islands which would include a convict establishment. The Indian Rebellion in 1857 delayed it's construction but provided many new prisoners. Construction began in November 1857 at the renovated Port Blair. Rupees were issued in 1861 and 1866, they are termed tokens as the metal value of the coin was not equal to its face value. No prisoners were sent there after 1921, it was occupied by the Japanese during World War II and it was closed after it. The tokens were withdrawn from circulation in 1870.

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