British India 1918 Two Annas George V Cupro-Nickel Coin
Coin/Bullion · British Royal Mint (Bombay or Calcutta branches in India). The mint for this specific piece is identified by a dot or absence of a mark under the date.
Pattern: Standard Circulation Coinage for British India, George V Series (First Portrait)
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
British Royal Mint (Bombay or Calcutta branches in India). The mint for this specific piece is identified by a dot or absence of a mark under the date.
Material
Cupro-Nickel (75% Copper, 25% Nickel). This item contains no silver despite its silvery appearance.
Dimensions
Standard dimensions for this issue: 21.4 mm diameter across the flats, thickness of approximately 1.55 mm, and a standard weight of 5.83 grams.
Description
A square-scalloped cupro-nickel two annas coin from British India. The obverse depicts King George V in his coronation robes and crown. The unique shape of this coin is emblematic of early 20th-century colonial currency design, intended for high durability and ease of identification in a diverse economy.
Key Features
Scalloped square shape, George V portrait, 1918 date, 'India' and lotus floral motifs. Absence of silver content despite the metallic 'white metal' appearance.
Material & Composition
Cupro-Nickel (75% Copper, 25% Nickel). This item contains no silver despite its silvery appearance.
Finish & Decoration
Struck finish with scalloped (square with rounded corners) edges. Features a left-facing crowned bust of King George V in an inner circle, surrounded by the legend 'GEORGE V KING EMPEROR'.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No silver hallmarks. Numismatic stamps include 'GEORGE V KING EMPEROR', 'INDIA', '1918', and decorative lotus flowers above and below the central circle.
Construction Details
Machine die-struck using industrial steam or electric coin presses at the Colonial Indian Mint.
Functional Features
Scalloped edge design implemented to help visually impaired individuals distinguish denominations by touch, as the size is similar to other circular coins.
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable (coinage).
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial die-engraving. Despite being a base metal coin, the detail in the King's effigy shows the technical proficiency of the Royal Mint's Indian branches.
Authentication Indicators
Die-struck details consistent with 1918 minting; correct font style for the era; standard scalloped radius. Tarnish pattern suggests long-term exposure to air or moisture.
Origin & Manufacturing
India, likely the Bombay (Mumbai) or Calcutta (Kolkata) Mint under British administration.
Era & Period
British Colonial Era (The Raj), George V period (1910-1936), specifically World War I era (1918).
Age Estimate
Dated 1918; 106 years old as of 2024.
Cultural Significance
Represents the economic history of the British Raj and the transition from precious metal standards to base metal fiduciary currency during global conflict.
Condition Notes
Very Good (VG) to Fine (F). Significant surface tarnish (toning), visible wear on the high points of the King's crown and robe, and minor contact marks/scratches consistent with circulation.
Value Estimate
$2.00 - $10.00 USD depending on the specific mint mark and the level of wear. This is a common date for this specific type.
Care & Maintenance
Do not clean or polish with silver chemicals as this is a cupro-nickel coin and cleaning will destroy its numismatic value. Store in an archival-safe (PVC-free) flip or capsule.
Similar Pieces
1910-1917 Silver Two Annas (circular), later 1919-1920 varieties with updated portraits, or the larger 4 Anna square scalloped coins.
Interesting Facts
During WWI, silver prices rose so high that the British government replaced silver 2-anna coins with this cupro-nickel version in 1917-1918 to prevent people from melting the currency for its bullion value.