1 Paisa
| Issuer | Pratabgarh, Princely state of |
|---|---|
| Year | 1885-1890 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 1 Paisa (1⁄64) |
| Currency | Rupee |
| Composition | Copper |
| Weight | 8 g |
| Diameter | 18 mm |
| Thickness | 3.86 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | |
| Orientation | |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | KM#31.1 |
| Obverse description | Rayed oval face of sun god Surya, dot on forehead |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | |
| Obverse lettering | Riyasat Pratapgarh`` |
| Reverse description | |
| Reverse script | |
| Reverse lettering | |
| Edge | Plain |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
1942 (1885) - - 1943 (1886) - - 1947 (1890) - - |
| Numisquare ID | 1693517250 |
| Additional information |
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Historical Context: This copper 1 Paisa coin, issued by the Princely State of Pratabgarh between 1885 and 1890, circulated during Maharawat Udai Singh's reign (1878-1929). A vital denomination for daily commerce, its issuance affirmed Pratabgarh's monetary autonomy under the British Raj. This period saw princely states maintaining distinct coinage as a tangible symbol of their identity and economic sovereignty within the broader Indian subcontinent, despite British paramountcy.
Artistry: The artistry of this 1 Paisa reflects a pragmatic, indigenous Rajput style from local mints. Specific engravers are unrecorded. The design typically features a stylized trident (trishul) and a dagger (katari) – potent symbols of Hindu faith and martial prowess – on one side. The reverse usually bears Maharawat Udai Singh's name in Devanagari script, often with a date. The aesthetic prioritizes functional clarity over intricate detail, characteristic of small copper denominations for widespread circulation.
Technical/Grading: Struck from copper (18mm, 8g), the technical quality of Pratabgarh copper paisas (KM#31.1) is often variable. High-points prone to wear and strike weakness include the trident tips, dagger hilt, and raised Devanagari lettering. Full strikes are uncommon; partial or off-center strikes are frequent. Planchet quality ranges from rough to smooth, with laminations or irregular shapes not unusual, impacting overall grade and eye appeal.