In 1906, the Indian government was actively reconsidering the composition of its smallest bronze denominations, driven by persistent concerns over the cost and availability of bronze blanks. This nickel pattern for the quarter anna was part of a broader series of trial strikes exploring alternative metals — the same program that produced copper-nickel and pure nickel proofs across several denominations that year. Nickel was ultimately rejected for circulation, partly due to its unfamiliar appearance to the Indian public and resistance from the Bombay and Calcutta mints over retooling costs.
The SW 7.172 reference places this within Steph Whitmore's classification of Official Mint Specimens, distinguishing it from contemporary private-venture patterns.
In 1906, the Indian government was actively reconsidering the composition of its smallest bronze denominations, driven by persistent concerns over the cost and availability of bronze blanks. This nickel pattern for the quarter anna was part of a broader series of trial strikes exploring alternative metals — the same program that produced copper-nickel and pure nickel proofs across several denominations that year. Nickel was ultimately rejected for circulation, partly due to its unfamiliar appearance to the Indian public and resistance from the Bombay and Calcutta mints over retooling costs.
The SW 7.172 reference places this within Steph Whitmore's classification of Official Mint Specimens, distinguishing it from contemporary private-venture patterns.