Explore the complete guide to the George V King Emperor coin—its rich history, design, minting details, rarity, and current value and price trends in India, including the sought-after 1936 issues.
The George V King Emperor coin was issued throughout British India from 1911 to 1936, bearing the crowned bust of King George V with the inscription “GEORGE V KING EMPEROR” on the obverse. Struck in 91.7% silver (for rupee denominations) and in 22-carat gold (for sovereigns), these coins circulated widely across the subcontinent.
The standard One Rupee weighed 11.66 g with a diameter of 30.5 mm, while fractional issues (½ rupee, ¼ rupee, anna) followed suit with proportional specifications Royal Mint. Today, values in India vary by year, mint, and condition: common dates in circulated grades trade for ₹700–₹1,500 for half rupees and ₹1,200–₹3,000 for rupees, while scarce dates like 1936 quarter annas command ₹500–₹1,000 . Collectors prize specific Bombay and Calcutta mintmarks, high grades, and proof-like specimens, driving prices up at auctions and specialist dealers
- Historical Background of British India Coinage and George V’s Accession
- Design and Symbolism of the George V King Emperor Coin
- Specifications and Minting Details Across Denominations
- Circulation, Usage, and Controversies (The “Pig Rupee” Incident)
- Rarity, Key Dates, and Collectability Factors
- Determining Value in India: Marketplaces, Dealers, and Auction Records
- The 1936 Issue: Varieties, Mintmarks, and Price Trends
- Current Price Guide in India: ½ Rupee, ¼ Anna, Sovereign & More
- Authenticity, Grading, and Where to Buy with Confidence
- Tips for New Collectors: Care, Storage, and Avoiding Fakes
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
Historical Background of British India Coinage and George V’s Accession
Imperial coinage in British India began after the Crown took control from the East India Company in 1858, standardizing coinage across presidencies. In 1910, George V ascended the throne; his coronation as Emperor of India took place on 12 December 1911 during the Delhi Durbar—an event commemorated by the new coinage issue that same year.Unlike his predecessors, George V visited India in person in 1911, the only British monarch to do so as Emperor.
From 1911 until his death in January 1936, coins bore George V’s effigy by famed sculptor Bertram Mackennal, modified with the Order of the Indian Empire collar to symbolize imperial unity. These issues replaced the Edward VII coins (1903–1910) and preceded the brief Edward VIII patterns (none circulated) and George VI’s post-1938 issues.
Design and Symbolism of the George V King Emperor Coin
Obverse Imagery
- Bust: Crowned, left-facing portrait of George V wearing the Collar of the Order of the Indian Empire.
- Legend: “GEORGE V KING EMPEROR” surrounds the bust in Latin script.
Reverse Elements
- Denomination & Country: e.g., “ONE RUPEE INDIA” within a wreath of roses, thistle, shamrock, and lotus—emblems of Britain and India.
- Date & Language: Arabic-styled date below center, plus Urdu legend (e.g., “یک روپیہ” for One Rupee).
- Edge: Reeded for silver rupees; milled for gold sovereigns.
The floral wreath—combining British and Indian flora—underscores imperial unity, while bilingual lettering reflects official dual-language policy.
Specifications and Minting Details Across Denominations
| Denomination | Metal & Fineness | Weight | Diameter | Mint Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One Rupee | Silver (91.7%) | 11.66 g | 30.50 mm | Bombay (B/bead), Calcutta (C/incuse) |
| Half Rupee | Silver (91.7%) | 5.83 g | ~25 mm | Same as above |
| Quarter Rupee | Silver (91.7%) | 2.91 g | ~18 mm | — |
| One Anna & Two Annas | Copper-Nickel | 5.0 g (approx.) | 30 mm | — |
| Sovereign (Gold) | 22 ct (91.67%) Gold | 7.98 g | 22.05 mm | Bombay |
Most issues were struck at the Bombay and Calcutta mints; a smaller number came from Madras (no obverse mintmark). Production spanned 1911–1936, with annual variations reflecting bullion availability, world war silver surges (1914–18), and economic needs.
Circulation, Usage, and Controversies (The “Pig Rupee” Incident)
World War I silver shortages (1914–18) led to fluctuating mintages and introduction of cupro-nickel anna issues. In 1919, a new Half Rupee design replaced the silver variety, but it saw limited uptake.
In December 1911, the first George V One Rupee bore an elephant on the collar—a design quickly replaced when Muslim communities mistook it for a pig, igniting the “Pig Rupee” controversy. The die was redesigned to omit the elephant by 1912.
Rarity, Key Dates, and Collectability Factors
Key dates and mintmarks increase scarcity and value:
1911 Delhi Durbar One Rupee:
The 1911 Delhi Durbar One Rupee is a special commemorative silver coin issued to mark the coronation of King George V as Emperor of India. It was struck to celebrate the Delhi Durbar held on 12 December 1911, a grand imperial event where the King and Queen were officially proclaimed as Emperor and Empress of India.
Key Features:
- Obverse: Crowned bust of King George V with the inscription “GEORGE V KING EMPEROR”
- Reverse: Standard rupee design with “ONE RUPEE INDIA 1911” in English and Persian/Urdu script, surrounded by a floral wreath
- Composition: 91.7% silver
- Weight: 11.66 grams
- Mint: Bombay and Calcutta (no visible mintmark for Calcutta)
Why It’s Special:
- First coinage of George V in India
- Associated with the historic Delhi Durbar event
- The original design caused controversy due to the “Pig Rupee” incident, where an elephant on the King’s robe was mistaken for a pig by some Muslim observers. The design was quickly corrected in subsequent issues.
Collectible Value:
- Considered a key date coin by collectors
- Prices range from ₹2,000 to ₹15,000+, depending on condition
- Proof or high-grade specimens can fetch significantly more in auctions
This coin is highly desirable due to its historical significance, early mintage, and limited availability.
1917 Bombay Half Rupee (GK 1055):
The 1917 Bombay Half Rupee (GK 1055) is a notable and semi-scarce silver coin minted during the reign of George V. Issued by the Bombay Mint, it is part of the regular circulation series but holds particular interest among collectors due to its date and relatively lower availability in high grades.
Key Features:
- Obverse: Crowned bust of George V with the inscription “GEORGE V KING EMPEROR”
- Reverse: “HALF RUPEE INDIA 1917” surrounded by a decorative floral wreath and Urdu inscription
- Mint: Bombay (often identifiable by a small diamond or bead under the date)
- Composition: 91.7% silver
- Weight: Approx. 5.83 grams
- Diameter: Around 25 mm
- KM# Reference: GK 1055
Why It’s Collectible:
- Issued during World War I, when silver demand and coinage were affected
- Scarcer in uncirculated (UNC) or about UNC (AUNC) grades
- Desired by both Indian and international collectors of British India coins
Market Value:
- In circulated grades: around ₹600–₹900
- In UNC or high-grade: ranges from ₹1,000 to ₹1,500+, depending on quality and luster
The 1917 Bombay Half Rupee is a solid addition to any British India collection, especially in better-preserved conditions.
1922 Bombay One Rupee:
The 1922 Bombay One Rupee is a silver coin issued under the reign of King George V, minted at the Bombay Mint. It is part of the standard coinage series of British India and is well-known among collectors for its quality strike and moderate rarity in high grades.
Key Features:
- Obverse: Portrait of George V wearing a crown, facing left, with the inscription “GEORGE V KING EMPEROR”
- Reverse: Inscribed “ONE RUPEE INDIA 1922” in English and Persian (Urdu), surrounded by a decorative wreath of British and Indian flora
- Mint: Bombay (often marked by a small dot, diamond, or bead under the date)
- Composition: 91.7% silver
- Weight: 11.66 grams
- Diameter: 30.5 mm
- KM# Reference: KM# 524
Why It’s Notable:
- Minted during the post-World War I recovery period
- Scarce in UNC (uncirculated) and AUNC (about uncirculated) grades
- Bombay issues are slightly more collectible than Calcutta for this date
Market Value:
- In circulated condition: around ₹1,200–₹2,500
- In high grade (AUNC to UNC): ₹3,000–₹4,000+, depending on luster and strike quality
The 1922 Bombay One Rupee is valued for its historic context, silver content, and attractive design, making it a favorite among collectors of British India coins.
1936 Quarter Anna:
The 1936 Quarter Anna is a copper coin issued during the final year of King George V’s reign in British India. It is part of the lower-denomination coinage used for everyday transactions and holds historical importance as one of the last coins minted before George V’s death.
Key Features:
- Obverse: Bust of King George V facing left with the inscription “GEORGE V KING EMPEROR”
- Reverse: Denomination “QUARTER ANNA INDIA 1936” in English and Urdu, surrounded by a floral design
- Composition: Copper
- Weight: Approx. 4.85 grams
- Diameter: Around 25 mm
- Mint: Typically Calcutta (no mint mark)
Why It’s Notable:
- Final issue of Quarter Anna under George V’s reign
- Represents the tail end of a coinage era before the ascension of George VI in 1937
- Common in circulated grades but less seen in fully uncirculated condition
Market Value:
- Circulated condition: ₹30 to ₹100
- UNC or mint state: ₹200 to ₹500+, depending on shine and preservation
The 1936 Quarter Anna is a nostalgic piece for collectors, offering a glimpse into pre-independence everyday coinage and the end of an imperial era.
Condition (grade), originality of luster, absence of cleaning, and proof/non-proof status dramatically affect value.
Determining Value in India: Marketplaces, Dealers, and Auction Records
Values fluctuate by venue:
- Online Marketplaces (eBay, Flipkart): One Rupee in XF sells for US $70–$150 (₹5,500–₹12,000)
- Specialist Dealers (NumisPoint, RNCoins): 1913 Rupee UNC at ₹1,799; 1917 UNC at ₹1,555.
- Auctions (Heritage, Sotheby’s): Rare date proofs exceed ₹20,000.
To gauge fair prices, compare at least three sources: live auctions, reputable dealers, and recent online sales. Check shipping, buyer’s premium, and import duties.
The 1936 Issue: Varieties, Mintmarks, and Price Trends
1936 marked George V’s final coinage:
- One Rupee & Half Rupee: Few struck in early January; indistinguishable from 1935 dies.
- Quarter Anna (Last Issue): Only quarter anna dated 1936 exists; Calcutta mint pieces command premiums (₹525–₹899)
- Edward VIII Patterns: Although dated 1936, these never circulated.
Scarcity drives prices: 1936 quarter anna in Gem BU surpasses common date values by 2–3×.
Current Price Guide in India: ½ Rupee, ¼ Anna, Sovereign & More
| Issue | Condition | Approx. Price (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| 1917 Bombay Half Rupee (GK 1055) | UNC | ₹850–₹1,000 |
| 1922 Bombay One Rupee | AUNC | ₹3,800+ |
| 1936 Quarter Anna | BU Gem | ₹525–₹899 |
| 1918 Gold Sovereign Bombay Mint | Uncirculated | ₹45,000–₹60,000 |
| 1913 One Rupee UNC | Brilliant | ₹1,799 |
Prices reflect mid-May 2025 listings; market demand may adjust these figures monthly.
Authenticity, Grading, and Where to Buy with Confidence
- Grading:
- Use PCGS/NGC slabs for top rarities.
- Seek coins with original luster and sharp relief.
- Authenticity Checks:
- Verify weight (±0.1 g) and diameter (±0.2 mm).
- Inspect reeding consistency and mintmarks.
- Reputable Sources:
- NumisPoint, RNCoins, CoinBazzar for certified pieces.
- Live auctions (Sotheby’s, Sagar, eAuctions India).
- Documentation:
- Request provenance and certification for high-value coins.
Tips for New Collectors: Care, Storage, and Avoiding Fakes
- Handling: Wear cotton gloves; hold by edges.
- Storage: Use acid-free flips or capsules (airtight).
- Cleaning: Never clean; it destroys numismatic value.
- Community: Join local numismatic clubs; attend shows to learn.
Conclusion
The George V King Emperor coin embodies a pivotal era in India’s numismatic and imperial history. From its elegant effigy to its rich symbolism of unity, these coins tell stories of colonial governance, wartime economies, and community responses (the “Pig Rupee” episode). Today, with values ranging from a few hundred to tens of thousands of rupees, they remain highly collectible. Whether you seek a well-worn circulation piece or a pristine proof, understanding design, varieties, and market dynamics is key to building a rewarding collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What does “King Emperor” mean on the coin?
It signifies George V’s dual role as King of the United Kingdom and Emperor of India, formalized by the 1876 Royal Titles Act.
Q2: How can I tell a 1911 Delhi Durbar issue from 1912 coins?
The 1911 Durbar coins lack the elephant-free collar redesign and often show “B” bead mintmarks at 6 o’clock on the reverse wreath.
Q3: Why is the 1936 Quarter Anna so valuable?
It’s the last George V issue for India, struck in very low numbers before Edward VIII’s brief reign, making it a scarce date.
Q4: Are there gold versions of George V coins?
Yes—a 22 ct gold sovereign (7.98 g) was struck at the Bombay Mint for trade and prestige, featuring Pistrucci’s St. George & Dragon reverse.
Q5: Where can I find reliable price guides?
Consult recent auction archives (Heritage, Sagar), specialist dealers (NumisPoint), and online marketplaces while cross-referencing multiple sources.
