VICTORIA
The Coins of British India
1/2 Anna

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Obverse Types A, B, C

Coins minted from 1862 through 1873 all have the date 1862.
The legend reads "Victoria Queen" for coins dated 1862 - 1876.
It reads "Victoria Empress" for coins dated 1877.

The 1/2 Anna was only minted for a few years (through 1877), though proofs and proof-like restrikes were struck with dates through 1893 or 1894 (only regular strikes are listed here). Though the coins were large and heavy, they must have been popular and well-circulated. It is difficult to find this coin in high grade. This explains the poor example of Obverse Bust C below, where it can only be identified by a reverse detail.

Bust A - The front of the dress has 4-1/2 panels. The bottom, incomplete panel has no flowers.
Bust B - The front of the dress has 4 panels.
Bust C - Similar to Bust A, but the dress has 4-3/4 panels. The bottom, incomplete panel has a single flower in the middle of the panel.
The details in the floral design of the dress is different for all three types.


Bust Type "A"

Detail of Bust Type "A"


Bust Type "B"

Detail of Bust Type "B"


Bust Type "C"
You can't see much here, but the "Wide 7"
identifies this coin as C/II. I'll replace
this photo when I get a better example.


Detail of Bust Type "C"
Last Update: 14-May-2003

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