George VI – 1 Rupee British India1947 AD Bombay Mint Historical Coin

British India, King George VI, Reign: 1936–1952 CE, Years of Minting: 1947 CE, Denomination: 1 Rupee, Metal: Nickel, Weight: 11.66 grams, Diameter: 30.5 mm, Mint: Bombay (Mumbai), Reference: KM# 559, Extra Fine Condition.

Obverse: Crowned bust of King George VI facing left; legend around.

Reverse: Bengal tiger walking left with date below and country name above.

Issued during the final year of British rule in India, this 1947 One Rupee represents the last regular circulation rupee bearing the portrait of King George VI before the country achieved independence. Struck at the historic Bombay (Mumbai) Mint, the coin belongs to a transitional period marked by profound political and economic change. The reverse features the iconic Bengal tiger, a symbol closely associated with India’s strength and natural heritage, replacing the traditional floral designs seen on earlier rupees. Produced in nickel due to wartime shortages and changing monetary policies, these coins circulated widely across the subcontinent during the closing years of the British Raj. The year 1947 holds special significance in Indian history as it witnessed the end of nearly two centuries of British rule and the emergence of independent India. Today, the George VI 1947 Bombay Mint Rupee remains one of the most historically important and collectible issues of British India, representing the final chapter of imperial coinage before the introduction of independent Indian currency.

Coinage Note: The 1947 Bombay Mint Rupee is distinguished by a diamond mint mark below the date. Featuring the celebrated Bengal tiger reverse, it stands as the last British Indian rupee issued before independence and remains a key type in collections of Indian coinage.