In 1848, in response to the Court of Directors' request that copper coin be replaced by silver fractions of a rupee, the Government of India produced a report including a reference that cowrie shells still passed for small purchases in Bengal. The Directors revised their view suggesting a copper half pice be added for use in Bengal. The Government of India agreed and began production at Calcutta Mint in 1853, which is the fixed date shown.

OBVERSE: Arms of the East India Company: 2 lions, St George's cross on the crest and flags, and the motto 'AUSP: REG: & SEN: ANG:' on the ribbon with the date above the ribbon.

Legend: 1853 / AUSP: REG: & SEN: ANG: Translation: By the Command of the King & Parliament of England.

REVERSE: Value within a laurel wreath: 1/2 PICE with the legend 'EAST INDIA COMPANY' surrounding and a flat raised rim.

Edge: Plain Mint: Calcutta, India. Mintage: 62,408,583

Issuer: East India Company Queen: Victoria Standard circulation coin Year: 1853 (Single year Issue) Value: ½ Pice (1/128) Currency: Rupee (1770-1947) Composition: Copper Weight: 3.23 g Diameter: 21 mm Thickness: 1.2 mm Technique: Milled Medal alignment Ref: N#23472, KM#464

This coin will NOT be offered at a fixed price.

RE. COIN GRADE: Please see the photos to judge the grade for yourself. [I have not cleaned it].

Kindly note the following:

• I have 19 years of experience using Trade Me. I once made my living as a trader, but now use only this account to sell personal belongings.
• I'm happy to combine postage and answer questions. I can fit ten coins into an envelope, and an almost unlimited number can be sent by courier.
• Please note: NZPost will NOT investigate untracked items (i.e. letters). As such, I can do nothing about late/lost envelopes, and this choice must be in jeopardy. Having said this, I have never had a letter go missing, either going out or coming in. If you are not confident, I recommend a tracked courier option.
• Thanks, One-eyed-Raven [2024].