India – British ¼ Rupee 1840 – Victoria very Rare Silver Coin #V-96

Location	India – British (British India)
Issuing company	East India Company
Queen	Victoria (1837-1901)
Type	Standard circulation coins
Year	1840
Value	¼ Rupee
Currency	Rupee (1770-1947)
Composition	Silver (.917)
Weight	2.92 g
Diameter	19.5 mm
Shape	Round
Technique	Milled
Orientation	Medal alignment ↑↑
Demonetized	Yes

This exceptional 1840 British India ¼ Rupee silver coin represents a remarkable piece of numismatic history issued during Queen Victoria’s reign. Minted by the prestigious East India Company, this rare specimen features .917 silver composition with an impressive weight of 2.92 grams and a compact 19.5mm diameter, expertly crafted using milled coinage technique.

Dating to the early Victorian era, this coin captures a pivotal moment in India’s colonial history when the East India Company maintained monetary control. The ¼ Rupee denomination served as essential currency for everyday transactions across the Indian subcontinent, making surviving examples increasingly scarce today.

What makes this particular coin highly coveted among collectors is its exceptional rarity and historical significance. Early 1840 mintages are increasingly difficult to locate in quality condition, particularly pieces like this marked as #V-96. The coin’s demonetized status confirms its retirement from circulation, adding to its collectible appeal and investment potential.

Numismatists and serious collectors prize British India coinage for its artistic merit, historical context, and scarcity. This piece serves as both an authentic artifact of the British Raj period and a tangible investment in silver bullion history, making it an outstanding addition to any world coin collection.

—

#