Ratlam State Ranjit Singh Copper 1 Paisa figure of Lord Hanuman walking left type Collectible

Princely State of Ratlam, Ruler: Ranjit Singh, Year: VS 1947 (1942 CE), Denomination: 1 Paisa (1/64 Rupee), Metal: Copper, Weight: 2.95 grams, Diameter: 23 mm, Reference: KM#25, About Very Fine, Scarce.

Obverse: Shield containing figure of Lord Hanuman walking left holding mace, star above, floral ornaments around, Devanagari legend “रतलाम” (Ratlam).

Reverse: Beaded circular border enclosing Devanagari legend “एक पैसा सं १९४७” (Ek Paisa, Samvat 1947) within floral design.

Ratlam State was one of the prominent princely states of Central India under British suzerainty. The state issued its own copper paisa coinage during the late princely period, with dates expressed in the Vikram Samvat calendar. The VS 1947 issue corresponds to 1942 CE, a time when many princely states continued traditional designs while adapting to modern minting methods. The depiction of Lord Hanuman on the obverse reflects the strong Vaishnavite-Hindu symbolism commonly seen in Rajput-ruled states, reinforcing royal legitimacy and cultural identity. These coins circulated locally within the state economy and represent the final phase of indigenous princely coinage before India’s independence in 1947.