Dots in British India Coins

[Pravir]

Hi! All,

In many instances, as afar as British India coins go, there's this info regarding number of 'dots'. For instance, this 1RE silver East India Co. coin with Victoria on the obverse has 28 dots. What is the significance of these 'dots'?

Best,
PRA

[Figleaf]

It would probably be helpful if you would attach the picture you wanted to attach. If you are having trouble doing so, please contact me by PM and I'll help.

Peter

[@josephjk]

This is probably the coin he mentions - the dots are berries in the wreath (reverse) - there are coin varieties with different numbers of berries - 27, 28 etc
http://en.numista.com/catalogue/pieces24095.html

there is some more info on baldwin's
http://www.baldwin.co.uk/coins-of-india/VictoriaDivided/CatVicDivided_Rupee1.htm

[Figleaf]

OK. Thanks.

The berries in the dies serve to distinguish minor differences in the dies for the same type. Specialists can get exited about such differences. As coin production got increasingly mechanised, such differences between dies disappeared. Likewise, as you go back in time, when there was little mechanization, you will find more and more die differences, until people start getting exited because they found two coins struck with the same pair of dies (die identical coins). Whether or not you attach any importance to tiny differences will depend on your collecting interest, your budget and your taste.

Peter

[anand]

there are so many dots in BI coins that it becomes confusing. Berries in 1835-1840 coins. dots on 1862 coin indicating years after 1862. Dots at the top of the coin, above the bottom whorl. Dots as mint marks, its endless.

Anand