Coins have always been an important part of history, representing not just money, but culture, politics, and art. Some coins are so rare that they become treasures, often sought by collectors around the world. One such coin is a special Indian gold rupee featuring an uncrowned portrait of Edward VII. This coin, which is the only known original of its kind, will be sold at an auction hosted by Noonans Mayfair on October 1 and 2, 2024. Estimated to fetch between £15,000 and £20,000 ($19,389 and $25,852 U.S.), it is one of the many rare pieces in the second part of the Puddester Collection.
The Puddester Collection, which includes coins from India’s uniform coinage era between 1835 and 1947, is a treasure trove for numismatists, collectors, and historians alike. This article will explore the significance of this rare coin, the Puddester Collection, and why these types of coins hold such importance in the world of collecting.
| Item | Description | Estimated Price | Date of Auction | Mint |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Edward VII Gold Rupee | The only known uncrowned portrait of Edward VII, 1903 | £15,000 – £20,000 ($19,389 – $25,852) | October 1-2, 2024 | Calcutta Mint |
| East India Company Rupees | Coins from the period of East India Company rule (1835 – 1858) | Varies | October 1-2, 2024 | Calcutta Mint |
| Government of India Coins | Coins issued by the Government of India (1858 – 1947) | Varies | October 1-2, 2024 | Various Mint Locations |
| Mohurs | High-value gold coins minted under British rule | Varies | October 1-2, 2024 | Calcutta Mint |
| Other Rare Coins | Includes rare rupees and historical pieces from British India | Varies | October 1-2, 2024 | Various Mint Locations |
The Rare Indian Gold Rupee Coin
The unique Indian gold rupee featuring the uncrowned portrait of Edward VII is a true gem in the world of numismatics. This coin, dated 1903, was minted at the Calcutta Mint and is unlike any other coin known to exist in the Indian coin collection. Its rarity makes it incredibly valuable, with an estimated price between £15,000 and £20,000.
Edward VII and the Importance of the Coin
Edward VII was the King of the United Kingdom and the British Dominions, as well as the Emperor of India, from 1901 until his death in 1910. His reign marked a significant time in India’s history, as the country was under British colonial rule. Coins minted during his reign often featured his crowned image. However, this particular gold rupee is remarkable because it features an uncrowned portrait, which makes it a highly unusual and significant artifact.
The coin is believed to have been struck in gold as part of a limited series or possibly as a special piece for a high-ranking official at the Calcutta Mint. While the exact circumstances behind its creation are not known, its uniqueness only adds to its historical value.
The Puddester Collection: A Treasure Trove of Coins
The Puddester Collection, which is being auctioned in parts over several years, focuses on the Uniform Coinage of India from 1835 to 1947. This collection includes coins from the period of East India Company rule starting in 1835, as well as those issued by the Government of India until the country gained independence in 1947.
The collection is being auctioned by Noonans Mayfair, a well-known auction house in the world of numismatics. Part II of the collection includes 1,181 coins, which are offered in more than 700 lots. This collection is a continuation of Part I, which was sold in February 2023 for an impressive £1,581,800.
Highlights of Part II of the Puddester Collection
One of the most exciting highlights of Part II of the Puddester Collection is the rare 1903 Edward VII gold rupee. The coin’s uniqueness, along with its historical significance, makes it one of the standout pieces in the collection. There are also other remarkable coins from the same period, including a variety of rupees, mohurs, and other denominations, all of which are part of the broader history of India’s coinage.
Peter Preston-Morley’s Role in the Auction
Peter Preston-Morley, the Special Projects Director for Numismatics at Noonans, has expressed his excitement about presenting Part II of the Puddester Collection to the public. He noted that this part of the collection is particularly special because it covers the history of India’s uniform coinage, from the time of the East India Company to the government-run coinage of India prior to its independence.
According to Preston-Morley, the Puddester Collection is vast and includes many coins that have never been seen before. The auction will be one of nine auctions over the next few years, offering rare and important pieces to collectors around the world.
The Puddester Legacy and Its Impact on Coin Collecting
The collection is not just about offering rare coins for sale; it is also about encouraging a new generation of collectors to learn about and appreciate the history behind these coins. Robert P. Puddester, the Canadian collector who assembled the collection, began his journey in the 1970s. Through his collection, he hopes to inspire others to start their own collections and further the appreciation of Indian coinage.
The Puddester Collection is seen as a vital contribution to the field of numismatics, especially with its focus on Indian coins from a critical period in history. It not only preserves history but also helps collectors understand the changing political and economic landscape of India during British rule.
The Calcutta Mint and Its Historical Significance
The Calcutta Mint played a crucial role in India’s coin production during the British colonial period. Established in 1757, the Calcutta Mint became the primary mint for India, producing various types of coins, including rupees, mohurs, and later, more modern forms of coinage. The mint’s role in coin production continued even after India gained independence in 1947.
The mint was responsible for producing coins for both the British Empire and the government of India. Many of the coins that were struck at the Calcutta Mint are still highly prized by collectors today. The unique Edward VII gold rupee is believed to have been created under the supervision of a high-ranking official at the Calcutta Mint, possibly Col. Sir Buchanan Scott, who served as the Master of the Mint from 1897 to 1904.
What Makes This Coin So Special?
The Edward VII gold rupee’s rarity is not just because it was struck with an uncrowned portrait. It is also due to its unique history, its connection to a particular period of Indian history, and the mystery behind its creation. Coins like this are not just valuable for their metal content but for the stories they tell about the time in which they were made.
The Puddester Collection as a whole offers a rare opportunity for collectors and historians to acquire pieces of India’s numismatic history. Coins like the Edward VII gold rupee help to shed light on a fascinating period of history and serve as tangible reminders of the complex relationship between Britain and India.
Conclusion
The upcoming auction of Part II of the Puddester Collection is an exciting event for collectors, historians, and anyone interested in the rich history of Indian coinage. The rare Edward VII gold rupee is one of the standout pieces in this collection, and its unique design and historical significance make it a highly sought-after item.
As the collection continues to be auctioned in parts, it offers a rare glimpse into the history of India’s coinage and serves as a reminder of the lasting impact of the British colonial period. Whether you are a numismatist, a history enthusiast, or simply someone interested in rare and unique artifacts, the Puddester Collection is not to be missed.
FAQs
1. What is the Puddester Collection?
The Puddester Collection is a vast collection of rare Indian coins, focusing on the Uniform Coinage of India between 1835 and 1947. It includes coins minted during British colonial rule, offering a valuable look into India’s numismatic history. The collection is being auctioned by Noonans Mayfair in parts, with Part II scheduled for October 2024.
2. Why is the Edward VII gold rupee special?
The Edward VII gold rupee is unique because it is the only known example with an uncrowned portrait of Edward VII. This makes it an incredibly rare and valuable coin. It was minted in 1903 at the Calcutta Mint, and its origins are mysterious, adding to its historical significance.
3. How much is the Edward VII gold rupee expected to fetch at auction?
The Edward VII gold rupee is estimated to sell for between £15,000 and £20,000, which is approximately $19,389 to $25,852 U.S. dollars.
4. Who was Edward VII, and why does his image appear on the coin?
Edward VII was the King of the United Kingdom and the Emperor of India from 1901 to 1910. His image appears on many coins minted during his reign as part of British colonial rule in India. This particular coin, however, is unique because it features his uncrowned portrait.
5. What is the Calcutta Mint’s role in this coin’s history?
The Calcutta Mint was responsible for producing coins for both the British Empire and the Government of India during the colonial period. It played a vital role in India’s coinage production, and many rare and significant coins, including the Edward VII gold rupee, were minted there.