Lot #684: Rare East India Company 1853 Half Pice - Two Lions - Cross of St. George - Calcutta (Kolkata) Mint - 1/128th of a Rupee

This 1853 Half Pice is a remarkable piece of history, representing the transition of power in British India. While it was struck during the reign of Queen Victoria, it bears the name and arms of the East India Company (EIC), which governed large parts of India under a royal charter at the time. This coin was specifically introduced to replace the use of cowrie shells as currency in the Bengal region. Obverse: Features the Coat of Arms of the East India Company. Two lions supporting a shield with the Cross of St. George. Above the shield is a crest featuring a lion holding a crown. Inscribed on a ribbon below is the EIC's motto in Latin "AUSP: REG: & SEN: ANG:" ("Auspicio Regis et Senatus Angliae"). ("By the Command of the King and Parliament of England."). The Date 1853 is centered just above the ribbon. Reverse: The Value: Centered within a beautiful laurel wreath is the denomination ½ PICE. The words EAST INDIA COMPANY circle the outer edge. This coin was struck at the Calcutta (Kolkata) Mint. Pure copper coins from this era are difficult to find in high grades because they were used heavily in daily trade and are prone to corrosion. The history of this coin is fascinating. Before 1853, many people in Bengal used cowrie shells for tiny purchases. The British government originally wanted to use silver for all small denominations, but realized they needed a copper coin tiny enough to replace the shells. This "Half Pice" was the solution. At 1/128th of a Rupee, it represents a very small unit of value from a bygone era. Dimensions: Pure Copper. 21 mm 3.23 g Pickup category timeslot {A}