Assam, Lakshmi Simha (1769-80), "country-made" Half-Rupees (14), undated, with the usual hara Gauri legends but lighter in weight than the official coins and often with more crudely engraved legends, a good variety, some with different bead arrangements, very fine (14).
Ex. Nicholas Rhodes Collection
These "country-made" coins appear to be contemporary imitations of the official coins. They are usually lighter in weight than the official coins and their engraving varies quite a lot. They are apparently frequently found in hoards alongside the officially made coins. Such coins of Lakshmi Simha are illustrated and described on pages 119-120 of RB (# 27-32). This lot includes the plate coin for item 30, specifically mentioned by RB:
"No. 30 is relatively good style and weight, but we feel that it is most likely to be a "country made" forgery, after close comparison with genuine coins."
Estimate: £100 - £150