Summary

Proof 1/2 Rupee, Issued by the East India Company, Bengal, India, 1830
Minted by Calcutta Mint, India

Obverse Description

Persian couplet (Pridmore 11) (translation: Defender of the religion of Muhammad. Shah Alam. Emperor. Shadow of the divine favour, put his stamp on the seven climes.)

Reverse Description

Persian Julus formular (Pridmore 13) (translation: Struck at the mint of Murshidabad in year 19 of his reign of tranquil prosperity) like the working strikes, this proof has a crescent on the reverse near the rim at 10 o'clock

Edge Description

Milled (vertical)

Significance

The new Calcutta Mint was opened in 1830. It was steam powered and purchased from Boulton, Watt and Company of Birmingham, England.
Proofs like this coin were presented to the Government for consideration in June 1830. Circulation strikes were issues to the public in January 1831 they differ from this in that they have plain edges and a crescent at the left end of the top line of the reverse

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