Because
of the problems with the matrix dies that Bombay received from Calcutta at the end
of 1835, the mint authorities at Bombay decided to engrave their own matrix
dies for a half rupee. Specimens of rupee and half rupee were submitted to the
mint committee in December 1836 [1] but were never used for the currency
coins. Rupee patterns exist with the initials MD on the truncation of the bust,
but the half rupee patterns do not have these initials. Identification
therefore relies on the style of the design
[1]
Bengal Consultations. IOR P/162/88, February 1837, No 8, 9
Series of letters about the production of dies for rupees
and half rupees by the Bombay Mint
Letter from the Bombay Mint Engineer to the Bombay Mint
Master, dated
With reference to the Secretary to the Mint Committee’s
letter to your address, dated 29th ultimo, of which I was furnished
with a copy, as also to Mr Secretary Reid’s letter dated 25th July
1835 regarding the supply of matrix dies from the Calcutta Mint, for the use of
the mint here, I now beg leave to hand up for inspection of Government, 5
specimens of rupees struck from the Calcutta dies and 5 rupees struck from
matrix dies engraved and prepared here, as also 6 specimens of half rupees
struck from matrix dies also engraved and prepared here, and likewise have the
honor to submit the following circumstances for the consideration of the Right
Honorable the Governor in Council.