British India 1939 George VI 1 Rupee
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1939
This 1939 silver one-rupee coin from British India stands as a significant piece of numismatic history, dating to the final decade of British colonial rule prior to India's independence in 1947.
Struck in 500/1000 silver, the coin possesses a weight of 11.66 grams and a diameter of 31 mm. The obverse features a profile portrait of King George VI facing left, accompanied by the inscription "GEORGE VI KING EMPEROR" and a small dot beneath the bust. The reverse is intricately designed, displaying the denomination and date within a central circle, surrounded by a decorative wreath motif composed of roses, thistles, shamrock leaves, and lotus flowers.
The reverse also bears an inscription in Urdu, "Yek Rupya," signifying the denomination. This piece of currency represents the colonial-era coinage standards and reflects the complex cultural and political intersection of British influence and Indian heritage. It is preserved in a secure plastic holder.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Physical characteristics
- Weight
- 11.66 g
- Diameter
- 31 mm
- Composition
- 500/1000 Silver
Technical characteristics
- Denomination
- 1 Rupee
Design
- Obverse
- Crowned head of King George VI facing left; inscription GEORGE VI KING EMPEROR; small dot below head
- Reverse
- ONE RUPEE INDIA 1939 with Urdu script in five lines; wreath border of roses, thistles, shamrocks, and lotus flowers
Identification
- Source note
- Described from a single auction-house listing published on Invaluable (reproduced with Invaluable's permission). Details apply to that one example; other examples of the type may differ, and the listing is supplementary evidence, not authentication.
Documentation checklist
- Denomination
- Research required
- Issue or mint date
- Recorded
- Material
- Recorded
- Weight
- Recorded
- Mint or printer
- Research required
- Mint or printer mark
- Research required
- Catalogue reference
- Research required
- Attached photograph (check rights)
- Recorded
Recorded means a field is present, not independently verified. Read its wording, supporting source and the entry’s confidence level.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.