Specimens
of a newly designed pattern were sent to the Mint Committee in November 1834,
and thence to Bentinck [1], [2].
He did not approve of the combination of Latin on one side and English on the other [3].
It is worth noting that the Latin inscription declares William to be king of
[1]
Bengal Consultations. IOR P/162/83, November 1834, No
8
Letter from the Mint Master (Saunders)
to the Mint Committee, dated 17th November 1834.
I have now the honor
to submit five specimens of the rupee bearing the device proposed by the
committee for the purpose of showing the general appearance and dimensions of
the coin.
The pieces in question have been
struck at the multiplying press from the matrix die executed by Cossinauth Doss, and without a collar, which will account
for the impression not being quite centrical and for
the rim not being perfect. The diameter also for the same reason exceeds the
limit prescribed of 1.2 inch or 10 pieces to the foot.
The inscription round the King’s head
will be, of course, subject to such alteration as the Government may direct, as
the letters can easily be removed from the punch die and replaced on a new
matrix without much inconvenience or delay. The diameter of the coin will also
allow of reduction, should it be thought expedient.
[2]
Bengal Consultations. IOR P/162/83, November 1834, No
9
Letter from
Calcutta Mint Committee to Government, dated 18th November 1834.
In continuation of our letter dated 15th
April last, to the address of the Vice President in Council, we have now the honor to submit 5 specimens of coins struck from a fresh
die prepared by Kashenath, the native engraver, whose
appointment was sanctioned in Mr Secretary Prinsep’s
letter dated 5th May last, together with copy of the Mint Master’s
letter forwarding them to us.
These coins seem to us fully to
establish the competency of Kashenath to execute any
facial image or other device of which the likeness may be drawn or a facsimile
furnished to him. The head has in this instance been taken from a British
sovereign, a coin of considerably smaller dimensions than the engraving
executed, and yet the likeness seems to us to be fully preserved. The test
therefore afforded us of the engraver’s ability is complete.
The Mint Master is prepared to
multiply the facial image of this die, but before sanctioning his taking this
step, we beg to solicit your Lordship’s orders on the subject and request to
know whether the same or any other inscriptions shall be adopted.
Although we propose, with Your
Lordship’s sanction, to proceed with the preparation of dies for coins of the
new device, we shall of course not allow them to be used until Your Lordship
shall be prepared to institute measures for introducing the reforms of the
currency which have been recommended and are we believe in contemplation, that
is, until we receive Your Lordship’s special instructions on the subject.
[3]
Bengal Consultations. IOR P/162/83, December 1834,
No1,2
Letter from Government to Calcutta
Mint Committee, dated
I am directed to acknowledge the
receipt of your letter dated the 18th instant submitting five
specimens of coins struck from fresh dies prepared by Kashenath,
together with copy of the Mint Master’s letter on the subject, and in reply to
state that the Right Honorable the Governor General
of India in Council is prepared to take immediate steps to change the device of
the coin of India & to confine the coinage to rupees of 180 grains of the
standard current in the Madras, Bombay and Agra Presidencies and in the new
territory of the Bengal Presidency in discontinuance of the issue of Calcutta sicca rupees of the 19th sun of Shah Alum.
It will be necessary for the Mint
Committee to make preparation for this important change and His Lordship in
Council will expect to receive any suggestions on the subject that the
committee may think it necessary or proper to offer.
With respect to the specimen rupees
furnished, His Lordship in Council deems the execution of both impressions of
the coin highly creditable to the die engraver and to those who prepared the
designs, but His Lordship in Council does not approve of the incongruity of a
Latin inscription on one side and an English one on the other and before
finally determining upon the adoption of this particular device, His Lordship
in Council would wish to have submitted to him designs of other devices adapted
to the coin of India of every metal so as to afford the Supreme Government the
means and opportunity of selection