India, Portuguese ½ Rupia 1881 – Luíz I Calcutta Rare Silver Coin

Issuer	Portuguese India
King	Louis I (Luís I) (1861-1889)
Type	Standard circulation coins
Years	1881-1885
Value	Meia Rupia = 8 Tangas = 96 Réis (½)
Currency	Rupia (1880-1958)
Composition	Silver (.920)
Weight	5.8300 g
Diameter	24.5 mm
Thickness	1.4 mm
Shape	Round
Technique	Milled
Orientation	Coin alignment ↑↓
Demonetized	Yes

This exquisite Portuguese India ½ Rupia from 1881 features King Luís I and represents a fascinating chapter in colonial numismatic history. Minted in Calcutta during the reign of Portugal’s second constitutional monarch (1861-1889), this silver coin embodies the cultural and economic exchange of 19th-century India under Portuguese administration.

Crafted from 92% pure silver (.920 fineness), this meticulously produced piece weighs 5.83 grams and measures 24.5mm in diameter. The coin employs milled technique with coin alignment orientation, reflecting the high standards of Portuguese minting practices. As legal tender valued at 8 Tangas or 96 Réis, it circulated through Portuguese India’s mercantile networks until demonetization.

This rare collectible appeals to numismatists specializing in colonial currencies, Portuguese monetary systems, and Indian historical artifacts. The convergence of European craftsmanship and Asian heritage makes it a compelling piece for serious collectors. Its limited surviving population and specific Calcutta mint mark significantly enhance its desirability. Whether pursuing colonial numismatics or diversifying a world coin collection, this authenticated silver specimen represents both historical significance and tangible investment potential in one beautifully preserved artifact.

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