1 Mohur - George V [Umaid Singh]

Historical Context: This 1 Mohur gold coin, issued by the Princely State of Jodhpur, encapsulates a pivotal era in Indian history, spanning the years 1918-1935. It represents the dual authority of Maharaja Umaid Singh (reigned 1918-1947), the formidable Rathore ruler of Marwar, and King George V, the reigning British monarch. Such coinage underscored the complex relationship between the British Raj and the semi-autonomous princely states, where local sovereignty was maintained under the overarching suzerainty of the British Empire. The Mohur, a prestigious gold denomination, served as a high-value medium of exchange, reflecting Jodhpur's economic standing and its integration into the broader colonial monetary system.

Artistry: While no specific engraver is recorded, the design of this Mohur adheres to the Indo-British stylistic school prevalent in princely state coinage of the period. Typically, such issues would feature the name and titles of the local ruler, Umaid Singh, often in Nagari or Persian script, on one side, alongside the name or effigy of the British monarch, George V, in English on the other. This fusion of indigenous and colonial elements resulted in a distinctive numismatic aesthetic. The precision required for gold coinage suggests skilled craftsmanship, likely executed by artisans at the local Jodhpur mint, potentially with British technical influence.

Technical/Grading: Struck in gold, this 1 Mohur coin (11 grams, 19 mm) typically exhibits a strong, full strike due to the malleability of the metal. High-points for wear or strike weakness would generally include the highest relief areas of any depicted bust (e.g., George V's crown or hair details, Umaid Singh's turban if present) and the intricacies of the script. Collectors should look for crispness in the lettering and the overall sharpness of the devices. While gold generally ensures excellent detail, minor variations in strike pressure from local mints can occasionally lead to slight softness in the peripheral legends or the very highest points of relief.