¼ Pe Pice) - Bodawpaya (Large planchet

Historical Context: This ¼ Pe Pice was issued in 1143 ME (1782 CE), marking the ascendance of King Bodawpaya to the throne of the Konbaung Dynasty in Myanmar. His reign, spanning 1782-1819, was a period of significant consolidation and ambition, including the establishment of Amarapura as the new capital. This copper coinage, particularly the large planchet variety, was fundamental for daily commerce and represents his early efforts to stabilize and standardize the monetary system after a tumultuous period, underpinning the economic infrastructure of his burgeoning empire.

Artistry: While the specific engraver remains unrecorded, this coin embodies the traditional Burmese stylistic school prevalent during the Konbaung era. The design typically features a prominent peacock, a revered royal symbol of Myanmar, often depicted with stylized tail feathers. The reverse bears the monarch's name, Bodawpaya, and the regnal date in Burmese script. The artistry, though robust and functional for a copper denomination, reflects the cultural significance of the royal emblem, rendered with a characteristic blend of simplicity and symbolic power.

Technical/Grading: Struck in copper with a substantial diameter of 31mm and weighing 10.23 grams, this ¼ Pe Pice often exhibits considerable variability in strike quality. High-points for wear or weakness typically include the central eye of the peacock's tail feathers and the uppermost elements of the legend. Due to the manual striking process, planchet irregularities, minor off-centering, and areas of shallow strike are common. A well-struck example would show full detail on the peacock and clear, complete legends, though such specimens are relatively scarce.