1 Paisa - Ranjit Singh

Historical Context: This 1 Paisa coin was issued in 1890 during the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Ratlam (1864-1892). Ratlam was a prominent princely state in the Malwa Agency of British India, operating under British suzerainty but retaining internal administrative and coinage rights. The issuance of copper paisas like this one in the late 19th century signifies the continued assertion of local sovereignty and economic autonomy, even as the British Raj consolidated its power. These coins served as essential small change for daily transactions within the state, bridging traditional monetary systems with the growing influence of the British Indian rupee.

Artistry: The engraver of this specific coin remains anonymous, typical for princely state issues of this period. The design adheres to an indigenous Indian stylistic school, characterized by hand-engraved dies and a rustic aesthetic. The obverse typically features the name of Maharaja Ranjit Singh in Nagari script, often accompanied by a date. The reverse commonly displays a distinctive symbol, such as a trident (trishul) or a sword, sometimes with additional floral motifs or further script. The overall design reflects local artistic traditions, emphasizing legibility of the ruler's name and state symbols rather than intricate European-style portraiture or complex heraldry.

Technical/Grading: Struck in copper with a weight of 5.7 grams and a diameter of 23.5 millimeters, this coin exhibits characteristics typical of princely state minting. Production involved hammer striking, often resulting in irregular flans, off-center strikes, and variable strike pressure. High points for wear or strike weakness typically include the central portions of the Nagari legend and the tips of any symbols like the trident or sword. Collectors should note that full, even strikes are rare. Technical qualities often include planchet imperfections, die cracks, and a generally coarse strike, which are inherent to the manufacturing process rather than defects.