India
British India - George V Proof 1/2 Rupee 1911-(c) PR65 NGC, Calcutta mint, KM521. It is safe to assume 5 or less of these coins were struck for presentation purposes, and known to exist. Only two complete 1911 Proof sets are known, most notably the coins in the Ted Reams Collection are superior to those that were offered within the David Fore Sale, and The British Museum has every denomination within the 1911 4 coin set with the exception of the 1/2 Rupee. Most Proofs struck at The Calcutta Mint (which is where this coin was struck) will almost never exhibit a "frosted" appearance. However, The Calcutta Mint produced superior strikes/workmanship in comparison to The Bombay Mint, and this coin is a splendid example of this statement. The 1911 1/2 Rupee business strike was officially released on December 12th, 1911 officially withdrawn from circulation on January 23rd, 1912 as all the other denominations in the series, nobody can truly confirm what was distributed in lieu of the fractionals (Two Annas, 1/4 Rupee, 1/2 Rupee), and it's a mystery which will remain for many years to come. However, the business strike 1911 1/2 Rupee remains a key coin within the British India series that is highly sought after by collectors. The last recorded example for comparison in lieu of price terms we found was an "MS" strike from the David Fore sale which hammered for a hair under $15,000 in 2013 which was not graded but UNC. Our offering is "Proof" as noted. In comparison to the 1835 Double Mohur Restrike Proof, which ranges in price from $25,000-$30,000 from our recent archived sales, the 1911 1/2 Rupee Proof in terms of scarcity/availability is far less than the above gold restruck brethren, and its 1911 circulation struck counterpart. As one can see from viewing this coin in person or online there is no evidence of die rust at all on this coin. The absence of die rust, and the absence of excessive hairlines in the fields is usually indicative of an "Original Proof" striking or a coin struck closer to its "dated date". Essentially meaning this coin is an Original Proof striking made specifically for presentation purposes, and was not supposed to leave The Calcutta Mint. The Obverse : has an exemplary strike, gorgeous light peripheral toning with a multitude of colors, velvety bulbous watery mirrors that make up the fields, and the most pronounced "wire rim" as described by Mr. Randy Weir when this coin was originally cataloged as part of The Ted Reams Collection in 2012The Reverse : sports ice like fields between the devices with a more than superlative sharp strike towards the center, and has the highest level of detail in the floral motifs as can be seen. The reverse generally for coins within the British India series exhibit a fuller strike on the reverse since the die was stationary. The moving part was the obverse die coming down on the planchette. Hence the fuller struck reverse where there is less margin of error for the die to shift. The 1911 1/2 Rupee Proof is supposedly prepared to be the finest striking to be ever minted with a full strike, pristine surfaces, and superior quality to any business strike in terms of detail. Out of all the denominations within this set : Two Annas, 1/4 Rupee, 1/2 Rupee, and Rupee, this coin has the finest eye appeal/toning, and above average striking of any of the coins that will be offered. Is there a better example than this current offering? More than likely not, but possible.
Estimate: 25000-30000 USD