Indian Rupee counterstamped William IV

Emitent Obock Territory (1862-1896)
Rok 1892-1914
Typ Standard circulation coin
Nominał 1 Rupee
Waluta Indian Rupee (1885-1943)
Skład Silver (.917)
Waga 11.66 g
Średnica 30.5 mm
Grubość
Kształt Round
Technika Counterstamped, Milled
Orientacja Medal alignment ↑↑
Rytownik(zy)
W obiegu do
Źródło(a) KM#2.1
Opis awersu William IV head facing right. Counterstamped with `Abd Latif Sane`a al Fiddah : bi Jibuti` in arabic letters.
Pismo awersu Arabic, Latin
Legenda awersu WILLIAM IIII, KING. عبد لطيف صانع الفضَّة بجيبوتي
(Translation: Abd (al) Latif Silver Maker in Djibouti)
Opis rewersu Value in English and Urdu (Yek Rupiya) within a wreath made of 2 branches tied at their base by a ribbon. English legend outside the wreath and date below.
Pismo rewersu Latin, Urdu
Legenda rewersu EAST INDIA COMPANY ONE RUPEE یک روپیہ 1835.
Krawędź Milled
Mennica
Nakład ND (1892-1914) - -
ID Numisquare 6049374320
Dodatkowe informacje

Historical Context: This coin reflects the economic realities of the French Protectorate of Obock (1862-1896) in the Horn of Africa. Lacking its own mint, Obock legitimized foreign currency by counterstamping. The host, a British Indian Rupee from William IV's reign (1830-1837), illustrates the extensive reach of British coinage. The 1892-1914 counterstamping period underscores the host coins' longevity and Obock's practical approach to currency management, long after the original ruler's era.

Artistry: The host William IV Rupee features a regal bust, characteristic of British Royal Mint engravers like William Wyon, with the denomination in a wreath on the reverse. The defining artistic element is the Obock counterstamp: KM#2.1 specifies a simple "O.T." (Obock Territoire) within a rectangular punch. This utilitarian mark, lacking elaborate artistic pretense, served purely as an official endorsement, sharply contrasting with the original host coin's intricate design.

Technical/Grading: Struck in .917 silver, 11.66 grams, 30.5 mm, the host William IV Rupee shows standard British Indian minting. High-points for wear on the host include the monarch's hair and wreath details. For the Obock counterstamp, clarity and depth of the "O.T." mark are paramount. Examine the sharpness of the punch's edges and letter legibility, as strike variations are common. A well-struck, clear counterstamp, even on a worn host, significantly enhances numismatic value.

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