Description
British East India Company, the Bombay Presidency, Æ Double Pice (17.99g, 25mm), 1730, Bombay Mint, struck in the name of King George II (1727-1760 AD). Obverse: St Edward’s Crown central, “G R” to upper field either side of orb, “[BOMB]” below. Reverse: Legend in four lines, date below, “AUSPICIO REGIS ET SENATUS ANGLIÆ”. Steven-2.98; Prid-100; KM-166. A scarce type from Bombay mint’s early coinage, the date mostly off flan although just present and legible as 1730 – overall problem free and quite choice, well centered for the type, appears overstruck as is often the case, details Very Fine, rare.
The same type was sold through Noonans as part of the famous Puddester Collection, their example has slightly better centering on the obverse with the word “BOMB” on flan, similar in grade, sold for the equivalent of AU$1655 at the time. The other type (Pridmoore 99, Stevens 2.97) of the Puddester collection sold for the equivalent of AU$2650 at the time, albeit the porous surfaces, this example is a superior coin.
The Reverse Latin legend reads “Auspicio rēgis et senātus Angliae”, with an English translation of “[Under the] Patronage / protection of the King and Parliament of England”.