The Puddester Collection (Part I)

East India Company, Madras Presidency, Later coinages 1812-35, Madras minting, silver Pattern Rupee [1824], unsigned, Arkat, sikka mubarak badshah ghazi aziz-ul-din muhammad alamgir [The auspicious coin of the victorious emperor chosen of the faith of Muhammad Alamgir], frozen date 1172h above, rev. zarb arkat sanat 6 julus maimanat manus [Struck at Arkat in the 6th year of his reign of tranquil prosperity], open lotus flower privy mark, edge straight grained, 11.44g/12h (Prid. 339 [Sale, lot 441]; Stevens 4.36; KM. Pn4). A stunning coin, brilliant FDC, most attractively toned, extremely rare [certified and graded NGC PF 65] £4,000-£5,000

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Puddester Collection.

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F. Pridmore Collection, Part II, Glendining Auction (London), 18-19 October 1982, lot 441, ticket [acquired July 1970].

Owner’s ticket.

Following improvements to the mint at Madras in late 1823, involving quality control and increased output to counter the threat of forgery, the horse-driven machinery produced a few specimen rupees with straight grained edges, at least two of which were sent to the Mint Committee by the Master, John McKerrell (†1835), on 3 March 1824. Although approved by the Governor in Council on 26 March 1824, no currency issue of this improved style appears to have been made. McKerrell committed suicide at his apartment in Regent street, London, on 24 July 1835