Paisa - Wakhat Singhji

Historical Context: This 1885 copper Paisa was issued under Maharaja Wakhat Singhji (r. 1867-1929) of Lunavada, a princely state within the Rewa Kantha Agency, Bombay Presidency, during the British Raj. Its issuance reflects the continued, though constrained, monetary autonomy of Indian states. Copper denominations like the Paisa were vital for local commerce. Wakhat Singhji's long reign saw administrative modernization and integration into the broader British Indian economic framework, yet his coinage maintained distinct local identity.

Artistry: The artistic execution of this Paisa is characteristic of indigenous minting practices in smaller princely states; individual engravers are rarely identifiable. Stylistically, the coin exhibits a functional aesthetic, often featuring a crude rendition of a dagger, sword, or other local symbols, alongside legends typically in Devanagari or Gujarati script. The KM#9.1 design prioritizes legibility of date and denomination over refined artistic detail, reflecting local minting capabilities, not imperial schools.

Technical/Grading: Critical grading points for this type include legibility of legends and symbols, often weakly struck or off-flan on irregular copper planchets. A premium is placed on a strong, well-centered strike revealing the date and details. Copper's susceptibility to environmental damage requires patina evaluation; a stable, attractive dark brown or red-brown patination is desirable. Active corrosion or harsh cleaning significantly detracts. The 7.83-gram weight is crucial for type identification and authenticity.