The Puddester Collection

The Uniform Coinage of India, British Imperial Period, Edward VII, original Proof Rupee, 1903, Calcutta, in gold, uncrowned bust right, edward vii king & emperor, rev. one rupee india, yek rupiya flanked by sprays of lotus flowers, five diamonds below rupiya, crown above, date below, edge grained, 19.61g/12h (Prid. – [not in Sale]; SW 7.17, this coin; KM. PnA68, this coin; F –). Trifling hairlines, otherwise brilliant mint state with fully reflective surfaces, UNIQUE; in a contemporary maroon fitted case £15,000-£20,000

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Puddester Collection.

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Baldwin Auction 35 (London), 13-15 October 2003, lot 1745.

Owner’s ticket.

This background to this exceptional piece, believed to be the only known original Indian gold coin bearing the uncrowned portrait of Edward VII (the others being restrikes, viz. quarter-rupee, 1910c (Spink/Taisei 8, 373), and 2 annas, 1904c (Spink 38, 640, then Spink/Taisei 10, 595, incorrectly given as ex Pridmore, then Baldwin/Monetarium/Gillio/Wo 30, 592, Fore I, 388), 1906c (Spink/Taisei 8, 374) and 1910c, (Spink/Taisei 8, 375, Fore I, 397) remains a mystery. It can only be assumed that the original owner was a high-ranking official at the Calcutta mint, perhaps its Master, Col. Sir Buchanan Scott (1850-1937), who was in post from 1897 to 1904