British India Edward VII proof gold Rupee, 1903
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1903
This exceptional piece is a unique original striking of a 1903 Rupee from the British Imperial period of India, specifically minted in gold at the Calcutta mint.
The coin is a proof striking, featuring a brilliant, fully reflective surface. The obverse displays the uncrowned bust of King Edward VII facing right, with the legend 'Edward VII King & Emperor'. The reverse features the inscription 'One Rupee India' with its equivalent 'Yek Rupiya' in Persian script. The central design is flanked by sprays of lotus flowers, with a crown at the top, a date at the bottom, and five diamonds positioned below the denomination.
The edge is grained. Weighing 19.61 grams, this specimen is believed to be the only known original Indian gold coin bearing the uncrowned portrait of King Edward VII, distinguishing it from later restrikes. It is presented in a contemporary maroon fitted case.
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
- 19.61g
- Material
- gold
Technical characteristics
- Edge
- grained
- Mint
- Calcutta
- Orientation
- 12h
Design
- Obverse
- uncrowned bust right, Edward VII King & Emperor
- Reverse
- One Rupee India, Yek Rupiya, lotus sprays, five diamonds, crown, date 1903
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
- Recorded
- 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.