A note about identifying these tiny mint marks: Sometimes the mint marks
are very clear and easy to see. Other times they are quite subtle and difficult
to pick out. The incuse "C" can appear as a tiny circle. The incuse
"B" can also be indistinct. The raised "B" is particularly
prone to problems due to wear, damage or poor striking. It often appears as a
little bump on the coin. Great care must be taken to identify some mint marks.
It often helps to use a magnifier and to use strong directional lighting. An
invisible mint mark can often be quite clear with the proper choice of
lighting. Because of the small size of these coins, the mint marks are often
less distinct than in the other series. Also, the coin edge is not reeded (it
is smooth-edged).
The following mint marks are illustrated by
photos below:
Incuse "C"
Incuse "B"
Raised "B"
Dot mint mark (regular)
Different diameters
1. Incuse "C"
Detail of Incuse "C"
2. Incuse "B"
Detail of Incuse "B"
3. Raised "B"
Detail of Raised "B"
4. Dot mint mark (1874, 1877-1884)
Detail of Dot mint mark
The single dot is below the center of the
date just above the ornate.
5. Different
diameters (1862-1878)
The Two Annas minted in Calcutta 1862-1878
have no mint mark.
They have a diameter of 15.3-15.4mm.
The Two Annas minted in Bombay 1862 and 1874-1875
have no mint mark.
They have a diameter of 15.7-15.9mm.
The Two Annas minted in Madras (minted only in 1862)
have no mint mark.
They have a diameter of 16.0mm.
It is useful to have a caliper to measure these small
differences in diameter. However, as can be seen in the photo at the right, it
is possible to compare two coins and detect a difference in diameters. Look at
the top of the photo and you will see a very definite difference in coin
diameters.
Calcutta (diameter 15.3mm) is on the left.
Bombay mint (15.8mm) is on the right.
Example of Madras mint is not available here.
