1 Rupee - Edward VII [Raghubir Singh]

Historical Context:The 1 Rupee of Bundi, featuring Edward VII and issued under Maharao Raja Raghubir Singh, symbolizes the intricate interplay between British imperial authority and Indian princely autonomy. Though its design hails from the Edward VII era (1902-1907), the specified strike dates of 1958-1963 are remarkable. This late issuance, occurring well after Bundi's 1948 integration into the Indian Union, points to a commemorative or anachronistic production, underscoring the enduring numismatic legacy of colonial-era designs and the unique historical trajectory of princely state coinage.

Artistry:Artistically, this coin exemplifies the Indo-British numismatic style. While engravers are typically unrecorded, the obverse would present an imperial depiction of Edward VII, adhering to British coinage conventions. The reverse, conversely, would display traditional Bundi state iconography, likely incorporating the ruler's name, mint mark, and date in local scripts such as Devanagari or Urdu, often within decorative borders. This blend of imperial and indigenous motifs visually encapsulates Bundi's dual sovereignty.

Technical/Grading:This 10.70 gram, 23 mm silver Rupee reflects typical princely state minting. High points for assessing wear include the hair and crown details on the obverse portrait, and the finer elements of the Bundi crest or script on the reverse. Strike quality varies, from sharp impressions to softer, occasionally off-center strikes, due to less standardized production than imperial issues. Planchet quality may also show minor inconsistencies, contributing to these regional coins' distinct character.