A NEW COMBINATION OF 1840 RUPEE

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V29 2026 INDEX E-SYLUM ARCHIVE

The E-Sylum: Volume 29, Number 19, 2026, Article 28

Leitton Rezaul of Bangladesh is a collector and researcher on British Indian Coinage. He submitted this article on a new combination of 1840 Rupee he's discovered. Thank you. -Garrett

The Discovery of a New Combination in 1840 Continuous Legend Rupee Series

The study of British Indian (BI) coinage is a continuous journey, offering a wide and fertile field for researchers to explore and introduce fresh discoveries. Across the Indian subcontinent, this topic enjoys great popularity among coin collectors. The frequent emergence of new varieties keeps enthusiasts engaged, adding excitement and a sense of anticipation to the hobby. As new findings regularly surface, they deepen our understanding of the series and make the pursuit even more fascinating and rewarding.

Here, I present a previously unreported combination of obverse & reverse on the 1840 Rupees with a continuous legend, which, to the best of my knowledge, has not been documented in any books, catalogs, or auction records worldwide. As is well known, 1840 is a frozen date; therefore, before introducing this new combination, it is necessary to outline the already recognized varieties & combinations briefly.

In the frozen date year of 1840, all three mint houses—Calcutta, Bombay, and Madras issued rupee coins featuring a remarkable diversity of designs. These coins were struck using four distinct obverse types: (1) the English Head (EH), (2) the Modified English Head (MEH), (3) the Completely Modified English Head (CMEH), and (4) the Indian Head (IH). Each of these obverses was paired with multiple reverse varieties, resulting in a complex and highly collectible series. The reverses can be differentiated primarily by subtle yet significant diagnostic features, including the number and arrangement of berries, variations in leaf positions within the wreath, the form and placement of the crescent, as well as distinctive ribbon characteristics such as the presence of a raised "V" or an incused and raised "M." These minute design elements serve as essential identifiers for attributing specific die varieties and mint outputs. Such diversity within a single frozen date underscores both the transitional nature of the coinage and the operational differences among the three mints. For clarity and ease of reference, the principal obverse and reverse types are introduced below, each accompanied by a concise description highlighting their defining characteristics. This overview aims to provide a structured foundation for understanding the known varieties & combinations before proceeding to discuss newly observed or previously unreported types.

To identify the Obverse, numerous diagnostic features are available; however, for ease of understanding, only three principal features are explained here.

Type–1 (EH): This obverse variety is distinguished by a comparatively larger facial profile than that observed on the other obverse types. Several diagnostic features of the hair arrangement further aid in its identification. The 1st top hair band exhibits two clearly defined incused lines which divide this band into 3 portion, curl of 2 wavy hairs is placed just above the 1st portion. The second top hair band is plain in appearance but is characterized by a distinct curl of hair resting upon it. The third hair band, located toward the rear of the head, is also plain; however, it displays a single incused line along its lower portion, which divides this band into two portions. These combined attributes, namely the enlarged portrait and the specific configuration of the three hair bands, serve as reliable markers for recognizing this obverse type. The relevant features are indicated in the annotated images below (FIG 1) for clarity:-

This variety is similar to Type-1 (EH), though the effigy is comparatively smaller. A distinguishing feature is that the curl of two hairs appears within the first top hair band in the last section. This Obverse was used at both the Calcutta and Madras mints and can be identified by an incused "S" located on the right side of Queen Victoria's neck for the Madras mint.

Both mints paired this Obverse with several Reverse varieties. At the Calcutta Mint, it is primarily associated with Reverses bearing 34 and 35 berries. The Madras Mint, on the other hand, employed this Obverse with Reverses displaying 19, 34, 35, and 36 berries.

For the sake of simplicity, and in light of my recent discovery regarding berry counts, the Reverse varieties are discussed here only in brief. In reality, the 1840 date is diagnostic of Reverse types, and the 1840 rupee has multiple Reverse varieties, even without reference to the number of berries. For visual reference and clarity, please refer to the image below:

The Completely Modified English Head (CMEH) is widely regarded as the most aesthetically accomplished obverse within the Continuous Legend series. While the overall scale of the effigy remains broadly comparable to that of the earlier Modified English Head (MEH), the engraver introduced a series of deliberate refinements that give this portrait a markedly stronger presence and a more sophisticated visual balance. Among the most important diagnostic features are a distinct single curl of hair within the uppermost (first) hair band, a clear diagonal raised line across the second top hair band, and, most notably, multiple fine raised lines on the final rear hair band at the back of the Queen's head. Together, these elements produce a heightened sense of texture, depth, and relief, resulting in a portrait that appears sharper, richer, and more dimensional than its predecessors.

Collectors are advised to study high-quality reference images carefully, as the identifying characteristics of this obverse are subtle yet decisive. Available mint documentation and confirmed surviving specimens indicate that the CMEH obverse was employed exclusively by the Calcutta and Bombay mints. Furthermore, all reliably recorded examples are paired only with the 35-berries reverse type. No verified instances of this obverse used with any alternative reverse have been documented to date, making this specific pairing both distinctive and highly significant for accurate classification and attribution within the series.

In summary, the CMEH obverse represents a notable artistic and technical advancement in the evolution of the English Head designs. Its crisp engraving, enhanced relief, and carefully executed hair detailing distinguish it as a mature and refined interpretation of the portrait. Combined with its limited mint usage and exclusive reverse association, the CMEH stands as one of the most important and visually striking obverse varieties in the entire Continuous Legend coinage.

The Indian Head (IH) obverse was introduced in 1840 as part of the One Rupee Continuous Legend series. Compared with the earlier Type-1 obverse (EH), the effigy on this variety is noticeably smaller, yet its distinctive engraving details make it one of the most recognizable and refined portraits in the series.

Like several preceding obverses, the IH type displays two clearly defined incused lines across the uppermost hair band, dividing the first top band into three distinct sections. However, its most distinguishing characteristic lies in what is absent rather than what is present. On all earlier obverses, a curl of hair appears above the first segment of this band. In contrast, the Indian Head (IH) obverse shows no curl of hair in any part of the first section of the first top hair band. This deliberate omission gives the portrait a cleaner profile and contributes to an overall impression of a younger, more graceful, and somewhat exotic depiction of the Queen compared with previous issues.

Additional identifying features further enhance its uniqueness. The second (upper) hair band exhibits a slanting raised line, like the previous obverse (CMEH). At the rear of the head, the final hair band contains a distinct curved incused line, providing another reliable diagnostic marker. Despite the absence of a curl of hair in the first band's initial section, curls of hair are present on both the first and second top hair bands in the last section, carefully positioned to maintain visual balance within the design.

This obverse was used exclusively at the Calcutta Mint and is known in combination with the 34 and 35 berry reverse types. For precise identification, refer to the annotated image below, where these defining characteristics can be observed clearly.

Overall, the Indian Head (IH) obverse represents a subtle yet sophisticated evolution in portrait engraving within the Continuous Legend series, distinguished by its refined proportions, carefully modified hair details, and exclusive mint usage.

British Indian coinage of the frozen date 1840 Continuous Legend Series exhibits a remarkable diversity of reverse designs. These reverses are distinguished primarily by subtle yet significant botanical details within the wreath, such as the number of berries, the placement and orientation of leaves, the presence or absence of leaf buds, and the overall arrangement of foliage. In addition to the major types, numerous sub-varieties exist, characterized by variations in leaf count, positional differences, berry size, spacing, and relative alignment. Such fine distinctions are of particular importance to collectors and researchers, as they assist in accurate classification, attribution to specific dies, and the study of minting practices of the period. Presented below are selected examples, illustrated through images, to demonstrate some of these notable differences. Especially the reverses with the number of berries.

Reverse Type I: Features 19 berries in total (10 on the left and 9 on the right) and is paired with Obverse Type 1. This reverse design was introduced by both the Calcutta and Bombay Mints.

Reverse Type II: Features 20 berries (10 left, 10 right). Used exclusively by the Madras Mint, paired with Obverse Type 1 bearing an incused "S" on the Queen's neck as the symbol of the Madras Mint.

Reverse Type – III: Features 35 berries (20 on the left and 15 on the right). This reverse was employed by all three mints and is known paired with Obverse Types 2, 3, and 4. A key diagnostic point for Type 3 is the berry positioned opposite the "O" in ONE, which may appear in varying sizes—large, medium, small, or very small. This reverse has many sub-variety. Some examples are given below:

Reverse Type IV: This reverse design is essentially identical to Reverse Type III; however, its most prominent and diagnostically important feature is the complete absence of the berry positioned opposite the letter "O" in "ONE." As a result, Reverse Type IV displays a total of 34 berries (19 on the left and 15 on the right). Current evidence indicates that this variety was produced exclusively at the Calcutta Mint and is known only in combination with Obverse Type 2 (Modified English Head — MEH) and Obverse Type 4 (Indian Head — IH). To date, no confirmed examples pairing this reverse with other obverse types have been published, formally documented, or recorded in numismatic literature. The specimen illustrated below represents this rare and previously unreported configuration.

In addition to the main variety, Reverse Type IV exhibits several recognized sub-varieties. These are distinguished by features such as leaf position, the presence or absence of the letter "M," and other minor design variations. The principal (main) variety is illustrated in the image provided below.

Reverse Type V: This reverse closely resembles Reverse Type III; however, the engraver enhanced its distinctiveness by adding an extra berry opposite the letter "P" in "COMPANY," along with a prominent large berry opposite the letter "O" in "ONE." In some examples, this additional berry also appears in a smaller form opposite the letter "C" in "COMPANY." As a result, this reverse features a total of 36 berries (20 on the left and 16 on the right).

This limited-issue reverse was introduced exclusively by the Madras Mint and is known only in combination with Obverse Type 2 (MEH). An illustration of this variety is shown in the image provided below.

Any newly identified die combination or design variation within the frozen-date issues of British Indian coinage warrants a comprehensive and carefully reasoned explanation. The complexity of these series is such that even a single date can encompass numerous subtle design changes, die pairings, and mint-specific characteristics. In fact, some numismatists have devoted entire monographs to a single frozen date, for example, the well-known study INDIA'S 1862 RUPEES by George Falcke and Robert L. Clarke, which illustrates just how intricate and layered these coinages can be.

In the present work, however, the objective is not to produce an exhaustive technical treatise, but rather to provide a clear, concise, and accessible explanation of a newly observed die combination. While many diagnostic features exist for identifying obverse types, such as portrait details, hair treatment, legend style, spacing, and die characteristics, only the three most prominent and easily recognizable elements have been discussed here to simplify identification for collectors and researchers. A similar approach has been applied to the reverse analysis. Although multiple attributes can be used to differentiate reverse dies, including leaf shape, bud presence, berry size, spacing, and alignment, the focus has intentionally been limited to the number of berries. This method reduces unnecessary complexity and avoids the proliferation of minor sub-varieties that can obscure the primary discovery.

As previously documented, Reverse Type IV, distinguished by a total of 34 berries (19 on the left wreath and 15 on the right), was believed to exist exclusively in combination with Obverse Type 2 (Modified English Head — MEH) and Obverse Type 4 (Indian Head — IH). No other pairings had been recorded in numismatic literature, auction archives, or standard reference catalogs.

For verification and detailed visual comparison, please refer to the images provided below, which clearly illustrate the diagnostic features supporting this newly identified obverse–reverse combination.

Unreported Variety Of 1840 Continuous Legend Rupee 16 10C The New Combination

The New Combination:- Obverse 3 (CMEH) paired with Reverse IV (34 Berries)

However, recent examination of newly surfaced specimens has revealed a previously unreported and highly significant development. Evidence now indicates that Reverse Type IV was also employed by the Calcutta Mint in combination with Obverse Type 3, the Completely Modified English Head (CMEH). This pairing has not been documented in any known numismatic journal, scholarly publication, or catalog to date, making it an important addition to the study of the series and a noteworthy discovery for collectors and researchers alike.

1. THE COINS OF THE BRITISH COMMONWEALTH OF NATIONS, Part - 4 India. Volume 2 : Uniform Coinage East India Company 1835-58 and Imperial Period 1858 - 1947. Author - F. Pridmore

2. Standard Catalogue of Coins of British India 1835 to 1947 Currency Issues, Authors - Gev Kias and Dilip Rajgor.