1/2 Anna Bengal Presidency Falta Mint Princep’s Issue INO Shah Alam II AH 1195/RY 22 Copper Coin

Bengal Presidency (British India), James Princep’s Issue, INO Shah Alam II, RY 22, AH 1195 / AD 1780/81, Denomination: ½ Anna, Metal: Copper, Weight: 11.49 grams, Diameter: 26 mm, Mint: Pulta (Falta), References: KM#127, Extremely Fine, Scarce.

Obverse: Persian legend “Shah Alam Badshah” with the Hijri date AH 1195, all enclosed within a raised toothed border.

Reverse: Persian inscription “Sanat Julus 22” (22nd regnal year), enclosed within a raised toothed border and surrounded by decorative stars.

Issued in the name of Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II, this copper ½ Anna was struck by the Bengal Presidency under the East India Company while continuing the traditional Mughal monetary system. During this period, the Company retained the Mughal emperor’s name on its coinage to maintain public confidence and ensure acceptance in trade across northern and eastern India.

Coinage Note: The Bengal Presidency ½ Anna of AH 1195 belongs to the early East India Company coinage issued in the name of Shah Alam II. Featuring elegant Persian inscriptions, regnal year notation, and distinctive decorative stars, these coins represent the transitional phase between Mughal imperial authority and British colonial administration, making them highly desirable among collectors of Indo-British coinage.