what is the meaning of characters A, B ,C in coins descriptions

Started by sourabhgmantri, April 12, 2016, 08:10:08 AM

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sourabhgmantri

Hi,

Could someone please check below description of the coin and help me to understand the meaning of B / II ?

[ William IV, Silver Rupee, 1835, Bombay Mint, No initials, B / II, Bud leaves, 20 Berries, (Prid 40). Nice deep toning, About Extremely Fine.]

Thanks,
S

Figleaf

In the early days of coins machine-struck in India, coins were struck with a frozen date, i.e. the date on the coins was not changed for many years. However, the mints used slightly different obverse and reverse dies as well as tiny engraver marks that allow collectors in many cases to establish the real date and the mint where they were struck. Victorian obverse dies are A, B and C. The most obvious difference is in the front panels of the dress. Victorian reverse dies are I, II, IIa and III. On silver, they are most easily distinguished by the top flower of the wreath. Coppers differ in the alignment of the wreath with e.g. the date. In addition, there are "secret" dots and the number of berries in the wreath to consider.

To know exactly what to look for, you need a good catalogue. There may be stuff available online that others can guide you to.

Peter
An unidentified coin is a piece of metal. An identified coin is a piece of history.

Kopper Ken


Abhay

The meaning of A,B, C, D or E is the type of Obverse, which depends on the initial on the Bust of William IV on the coin.

A = R.S. (Thick)
B= R.S. (Thin)
C= F (Incuse)
D= F (Relief)
E = No Initials

I would recommend "The Uniform Coinage of India 1835 to 1947 by Paul Stevens and Randy Weir" to be a good catalogue.

However, for a quick online reference,  you can visit this site:

http://britishcoins.indian-coins.com/william1.html

Abhay
INVESTING IN YESTERDAY

sourabhgmantri

@Abhay, @Peter , Thanks a lot for your valuable information.