1/4 Anna - Victoria [Anand Rao Pawar III]

Historical Context:This 1887 1/4 Anna copper coin originates from the Princely State of Dhar, a Maratha state within the British Raj. Issued under Maharaja Anand Rao Pawar III, it exemplifies the complex political landscape of late 19th-century India. While featuring Queen Victoria, titular head of the British Empire, its issuance by Dhar underscores the state's continued, albeit subordinate, monetary sovereignty. Such coinage served as a tangible symbol of both local authority and imperial suzerainty, facilitating daily commerce within the state.

Artistry:The design of this 1/4 Anna coin reflects the prevailing Indo-British numismatic style. Specific engravers are rarely documented for such issues. The obverse typically features a profile bust of Queen Victoria, often derived from British Indian prototypes, rendered with varying degrees of fidelity. The reverse would display the denomination and state name, likely in Devanagari or other local scripts, alongside the regnal year or state emblems. This blend of imperial iconography and local inscription represents a unique artistic synthesis characteristic of princely state coinage.

Technical/Grading:Struck in copper, this 6-gram, 25.4-millimeter coin typically exhibits characteristics common to princely state issues. High-points for wear on the obverse include Victoria's hair, crown, and drapery folds. On the reverse, finer details of the script or emblems would be susceptible to abrasion. Strike quality can vary significantly; planchet preparation was often less refined than imperial issues, potentially leading to minor flan flaws, off-center strikes, or areas of weak impression. These are important considerations for accurate grading.