Catalog
| Issuer | Sumatra |
|---|---|
| Year | 1798 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 2 Kepings (1/200) |
| Currency | Dollar (1783-1824) |
| Composition | Copper |
| Weight | 6.24 g |
| Diameter | 25.2 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | |
| Orientation | Coin alignment ↑↓ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | C#22a, KM#261, Singh#C.22a |
| Obverse description | United East India Company balemark with figure `4` above. Date below. Toothed border. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering | VEIC 1798 |
| Reverse description | Arabic inscription with denomination at top and date at bottom using eastern Arabic numeral. Toothed border. |
| Reverse script | Arabic |
| Reverse lettering |
۳ تيݢ كفڠ ۱۲۱۳ (Translation: Three keping AH 1213) |
| Edge | Plain |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
1213 (1798) - - 1213 (1798) - Proof - |
| Numisquare ID | 5595736040 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: The 1798 2 Keping, issued by the British East India Company (EIC) for its Sumatran possessions, primarily Fort Marlborough (Bencoolen), reflects the EIC's economic role in Southeast Asia. This copper coinage facilitated local trade. The "Error value" variant is a significant numismatic artifact, highlighting colonial minting challenges. It directly links to expanding British influence and the daily commerce of a vital port, a key piece within EIC regional issues.
Artistry: The 1798 2 Keping's design is typical of utilitarian EIC coinage, featuring straightforward legends, often in Jawi script, indicating denomination and date. For