1 Paisa

Historical Context: The 1 Paisa coin of 1886 was issued by the Princely State of Pratabgarh during Maharawat Udai Singh's reign (1864-1890). As a state within the Rajputana Agency, Pratabgarh retained the right to mint its own currency under British suzerainty. This copper denomination was vital for daily commerce, underscoring the state's economic autonomy and the continued circulation of indigenous coinage across British India's princely states in the late 19th century. It records the era's administrative and economic landscape.

Artistry: Artistically, this coin exemplifies the indigenous coinage style common in Rajputana. Specific engravers are typically unrecorded for such issues; the design is primarily epigraphic. Both obverse and reverse feature inscriptions in Devanagari script, identifying the ruler, state, and the corresponding Samvat date for 1886. The aesthetic is functional, prioritizing clear royal and regnal information over complex symbolism, consistent with local minting traditions.

Technical/Grading: Struck in copper (7.34 grams, 19 millimeters), the technical strike quality of this 1 Paisa varies. High-points for grading are the raised Devanagari script elements, especially upper strokes and flourishes, which show wear first. Common strike characteristics include weak strikes, particularly near flan edges, and occasional off-centering, indicative of hand-operated minting processes. Planchet quality may also exhibit minor irregularities or laminations, typical of princely state copper issues.