British – India › Bengal Presidency ½ Anna (1831-1835) Bengali Legend : Ardha Aana Shah Alam II Rare Coin

Issuer	Bengal Presidency (British India)
Type	Standard circulation coins
Years	1831-1835
Value	½ Anna (1⁄32)
Currency	Rupee (1765-1835)
Composition	Copper
Weight	12.95 g
Diameter	27.7 mm
Shape	Round
Orientation	Medal alignment ↑↑
Demonetized	Yes

This exceptional ½ Anna copper coin represents a significant piece of numismatic history from British India’s Bengal Presidency, minted between 1831-1835. Denominated as 1/32 of a Rupee, this Bengali-inscribed “Ardha Aana” coin features the name of Shah Alam II, the Mughal emperor whose legacy continued to appear on coinage even during British colonial rule.

Crafted from pure copper with precise specifications—weighing 12.95 grams and measuring 27.7mm in diameter—this round coin showcases the medal alignment typical of the era. The Bengal Presidency coins represent a fascinating transitional period in Indian currency when British administration gradually modernized the monetary system while retaining traditional Indian nomenclature.

Collectors treasure this particular issue for its historical significance, rarity, and the unique convergence of Mughal and British influences on Indian coinage. The demonetized status adds to its collectible appeal, as these coins are no longer in circulation, making quality examples increasingly scarce. Whether you’re a serious numismatist focused on British India, a historian studying colonial-era currency, or a collector of rare Asian coins, this piece offers authentic provenance and documented historical value that only grows with time.

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