Extremely Rare 8 Anna 1920 George V King Emperor

The 8 anna 1920 coin is one of the rarest denominations ever struck by the British India administration, representing a critical and highly sought collectible in numismatic circles today. This George V King Emperor coin was produced at the Bombay Mint in 1920 and marks a pivotal moment in the monetary history of British India during the final year of this short-lived denomination.

Historical Context and Creation

The 8 anna 1920 coin emerged as a wartime necessity during the First World War, when silver prices became prohibitively expensive for coinage production. India required a half-rupee substitute without silver content, so this copper denomination was introduced to serve the same monetary function at significantly reduced production costs compared to traditional silver coinage.

Why the 8 Anna 1920 Coin Became Rare

The 8 anna 1920 coin was struck only in 1919 and 1920, making these years exceptionally scarce among British India coins. Public resistance to metal tokens replacing circulating silver coins led to the denomination’s discontinuation after 1920 and subsequent demonetisation, which explains why so few examples survive in Very Fine condition.

Specifications and Authentication

Each specimen weighs 7.77 grams, measures 26 millimetres in diameter, and features a plain edge. The obverse displays the crowned bust of George V facing left with the legend GEORGE V KING EMPEROR, engraved by the renowned Edgar Bertram MacKennal. This coin’s Very Fine condition, combined with its Bombay Mint provenance, confirms its authenticity and makes it an exceptional addition to any serious collection.

More George V  ·  All 8 Anna items