1 Rupee Jhansi Mint

Historical Context: This 1 Rupee from the Jhansi mint (Maratha Empire, 1806-1819) marks a pivotal era. Jhansi, a strategic Maratha principality in Bundelkhand, operated under nominal Peshwa and often Scindia suzerainty. This period encompasses the Third Anglo-Maratha War (1817-1818), signifying the Maratha Confederacy's central authority's dissolution and British East India Company ascendancy. The mint's operation during this turbulent time highlights local economic resilience and regional autonomy amidst imperial decline.

Artistry: Maratha coinage, including this Jhansi Rupee, largely followed late Mughal numismatic conventions: Persian inscriptions, often invoking a nominal Mughal emperor (e.g., Shah Alam II) for legitimacy. Individual engravers are not identifiable. The style blends formal calligraphy with local interpretations, sometimes yielding less refined execution. Key identifying features are specific mint marks or symbols, subtly integrated within the legends, serving as crucial local mint indicators rather than engraver signatures.

Technical/Grading: Weighing 10.70-11.60 grams (average 10.87g) and 18mm, this silver rupee often presents grading challenges. High-points include strike completeness; irregular flans and off-center strikes commonly obscure peripheral Persian legends. Clarity of the Hijri date and the distinctive Jhansi mint mark—critical for attribution—are paramount. A well-centered strike with sharp details on both sides, minimal die wear, and an unblemished planchet signifies a premium example of this historically significant type.