⅓ Mohur - Bhupindar Singh

Historical Context: This ⅓ Mohur, minted in 1902, hails from the Princely State of Patiala during the reign of Maharaja Bhupindar Singh. A prominent ruler of the Phulkian dynasty, Bhupindar Singh ascended the gaddi in 1900 and quickly established Patiala as a leading state within the British Indian Empire. This gold coinage underscores Patiala's continued internal sovereignty and economic strength, even as it operated under British suzerainty. The Mohur denomination reflects a deep-rooted Indian numismatic tradition, maintained alongside the British monetary system.

Artistry: The design of this ⅓ Mohur is characterized by its elegant epigraphy, typical of North Indian princely state coinage of the period. While a specific engraver is not recorded, the stylistic school emphasizes clear, well-formed Persian script, likely detailing the ruler's name, titles, and the minting year (1902). Such designs prioritize calligraphic beauty over pictorial representation, a common feature on gold Mohurs which traditionally served as symbols of authority and wealth, often bearing religious or honorific inscriptions.

Technical/Grading: Struck in gold (3.59 gg), this coin's intrinsic value often ensured careful handling, aiding preservation. Key high-points for assessing wear include the uppermost curves and serifs of the script, particularly in the central legends, which would be the first to show flattening. A premium example would exhibit a full, even strike across the entire flan, with crisp definition in all inscriptions and a well-centered design, free from planchet flaws or significant weakness often seen in regional issues.