Edward VII British India ¼ Anna Bronze Coin

British India, Ruler: Edward VII, (1901-1910 CE), Minting Years: 1906-1910 CE, Denomination: ¼ Anna (1/64 Rupee), Metal: Bronze, Weight: 4.83 grams, Diameter: 25.3 mm, Reference: KM# 502, About Very Fine.

Obverse: Right-facing crowned bust of King Edward VII. Legend around: “EDWARD VII KING & EMPEROR”. 

Reverse: Denomination and date within beaded circle, surrounded by wreath. Legend in five lines:

The ¼ Anna bronze coin of Edward VII was issued for British India between 1906 and 1910 as part of the low-denomination currency used in everyday transactions. It belonged to the rupee monetary system, where one anna equaled 1/16 of a rupee and this coin represented 1/64 of a rupee.

After Queen Victoria’s death in 1901, Edward VII became Emperor of India, and new coinage was introduced to display the authority of the British Crown across the colony. The coin was struck in large quantities at the Calcutta Mint to support expanding markets, railways, and urban trade in early 20th-century India.

Bronze fractional coins like this circulated widely among common people for daily purchases such as food, transport, and small services. The wreath reverse and imperial portrait symbolized political control and economic integration under the British Raj. After independence in 1947, the anna-based currency system was gradually replaced, making these coins historical reminders of colonial monetary administration.