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 -
1901.
The Rupee coin has several Reverse designs, which can
most easily be identified by examining the flower at the very top of the coin.
There appears to be many minor varieties. Following is a description of the
basic reverse types.
Reverse I - The top flower is open with long, curved
petals. The "1" in the date has a flat top. Reverse II - The top flower is closed. The "1"
in the date has a slanted top. Reverse IIa - Variant of Type II on a few 1862 Rupees.
Similar to type II, but the flower buds above the "E"
of "ONE" and above right of the second "E"
of "RUPEE" have a pineapple-like pattern. Reverse III - The top flower is half open. The "1"
in the date (1862) has a flat top. Reverse IV - Variant of Type II reported by W.A.T. Aves
in a Feb 1984 Seabys Coins and Metals Bulletin and confirmed
by collector Bob Johnston.
This reverse type is so far known to exist on the Bombay Rupees
for the years 1879, 1880, 1881 and 1882. Reverse IV is slightly
different in many areas but the most recognizable difference
is in the lotus flower to left of the date. The type II flower
has five petals, while the type IV has three larger petals.
Type I
Type II
Type III
Type IV
Reverse Type I
Detail of Reverse I
Reverse Type II
Detail of Reverse II
Reverse Type IIa
Reverse Type IV
In 1862 there was a variant of Reverse Type II referred to
as Type IIa. It is very similar to Type II. Identifying features are
shown in the photos below. Two flowers have a "pineapple" appearance
on the Type IIa. The easiest to identify is the flower just above and to the
right of the last "E" in "RUPEE". Type II does not have a
flower bud, while IIa shows a pineapple-like bud. Also, a little above the
"E" in "ONE" the flower bud appears pineapple-like on the
Type IIa.
Detail of Reverse Type II
Detail of Reverse Type IIa
In 1879-1882 there was a variant of Reverse
Type II referred to as Type IV. It is very similar to Type
II but has numerous small differences. The most recognizable difference
is in the lotus flower to left of the date. Type IV has three
large petals, while type II has five smaller petals. A full coin
photo is shown above.
Detail of Reverse Type II
Detail of Reverse Type IV
In 1862 there was another reverse variant called
Reverse Type III. The top flower is very distinctive with pointed
petals.
Reverse Type III
Detail of Reverse III
There are some variants of Reverse Type II.
Below is an example.
