1 Rupee - Gulab Singh

Historical Context: This 1 Rupee silver coin, dated 1846-1849, represents the foundational years of the Princely State of Jammu and Kashmir under Maharaja Gulab Singh. Following the First Anglo-Sikh War and the Treaty of Amritsar in 1846, Gulab Singh was recognized by the British as the independent ruler of a vast new territory. This coinage signifies the establishment of his Dogra dynasty and the nascent sovereignty of one of British India's largest and most strategically important princely states, marking a pivotal moment in regional history.

Artistry: The design, typical of Indian princely state issues, features Persian inscriptions on both obverse and reverse, likely in Nastaliq script. While engravers remain anonymous, the stylistic school is rooted in regional numismatic traditions, showing influences from earlier Mughal and Sikh coinages yet developing its distinct character. Legends typically include the ruler's name, the mint name (often Dar-ul-Aman Jammu), and the date, sometimes accompanied by a characteristic mint mark or symbolic device, like a flower or star.

Technical/Grading: Struck in silver (10.80 grams, 20.12 mm), these hand-struck rupees often exhibit irregular flans and varying strike quality. High points for grading typically include the central legends, particularly the ruler's name and date, crucial for attribution. Common technical characteristics include off-center strikes, weak areas, and incomplete legends due to dies being larger than flans. Edges are usually plain. Planchet quality can vary, and wear often affects the intricate Persian calligraphy.