Paisa - Wakhat Singhji

Historical Context: The Paisa of Wakhat Singhji, struck in 1885, originates from the Princely State of Lunavada, located in present-day Gujarat. Wakhat Singhji ruled from 1867 to 1919, a period under firm British paramountcy. This copper denomination served as essential small change for daily commerce within the state. Its issuance signifies Lunavada’s continued monetary autonomy under the British Raj, reflecting the state's economic stability and administrative continuity during a transformative era for Indian princely states.

Artistry: The specific engraver of this Paisa remains unrecorded, typical for utilitarian copper coinage of smaller princely states. The stylistic school is characterized by a localized, functional approach, prioritizing legibility over elaborate ornamentation. The design likely features the ruler's name and title, Wakhat Singhji, along with the state name, Lunavada, and the year 1885, often rendered in Gujarati or Devanagari script. Such designs, while not artistically complex, provided clear identification for local users.

Technical/Grading: This copper Paisa, weighing 7.83 grams, typically exhibits variable strike quality. High-points for wear and strike often include the central portions of the legends and any small decorative elements. Due to local minting practices, planchet irregularities such as uneven thickness or minor flan cracks are common. A strong strike would show crisp legends and full details; weaker strikes might leave parts of the inscription indistinct, particularly towards the coin's edges, impacting its overall grade.