1 Rupee - Fateh Singh Rao Gaekwad

Historical Context: This 1 Rupee silver coin, issued in 1778 by the Princely State of Baroda under Fateh Singh Rao Gaekwad, represents a critical period in Indian history. Fateh Singh Rao, a prominent figure of the Maratha Confederacy, effectively governed Baroda as regent during a time of intense political maneuvering between the Marathas and the burgeoning British East India Company. The issuance of coinage under his name or authority underscored Baroda's sovereign status and economic stability amidst regional conflicts, asserting Gaekwad power and administrative capacity within the complex Maratha political landscape.

Artistry: While the specific engraver remains anonymous, typical for Indian princely state coinage of this era, the design adheres to the prevailing Mughal-influenced stylistic school. The artistry is primarily expressed through elegant Persian calligraphy, which would detail the ruler's name (Fateh Singh Rao Gaekwad), the mint name (Baroda), and the Hijri date corresponding to 1778 AD. The intricate script, often featuring decorative flourishes, served as both a declaration of authority and an aesthetic statement, reflecting the refined courtly traditions of the period rather than pictorial representations.

Technical/Grading: Struck from silver with a weight of 11.34 grams and a diameter of 22 millimeters, this coin exhibits characteristics typical of hand-struck coinage. High-points for wear and strike quality would include the central portions of the intricate calligraphy, particularly the finer details of the letterforms and any accompanying diacritics or symbols. Collectors should anticipate variations in strike, including potential minor off-centring, slight weakness in peripheral legends, or occasional planchet irregularities, which are common for these issues and do not necessarily detract from their historical value.