Indian Rupee counterstamped William IV

Emissor Obock Territory (1862-1896)
Ano 1892-1914
Tipo Standard circulation coin
Valor 1 Rupee
Moeda Indian Rupee (1885-1943)
Composição Silver (.917)
Peso 11.66 g
Diâmetro 30.5 mm
Espessura
Formato Round
Técnica Counterstamped, Milled
Orientação Medal alignment ↑↑
Gravador(es)
Em circulação até
Referência(s) KM#2.1
Descrição do anverso William IV head facing right. Counterstamped with `Abd Latif Sane`a al Fiddah : bi Jibuti` in arabic letters.
Escrita do anverso Arabic, Latin
Legenda do anverso WILLIAM IIII, KING. عبد لطيف صانع الفضَّة بجيبوتي
(Translation: Abd (al) Latif Silver Maker in Djibouti)
Descrição do reverso 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.
Escrita do reverso Latin, Urdu
Legenda do reverso EAST INDIA COMPANY ONE RUPEE یک روپیہ 1835.
Bordo Milled
Casa da moeda
Tiragem ND (1892-1914) - -
ID Numisquare 6049374320
Informações adicionais

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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