King Edward VII of Britain was the Emperor of India during his reign, 1901 to 1910. Following the death of his mother, Queen Victoria, the Edwardian era saw many coins issued for British India with the new king’s likeness, usually with a phrase noting his status as both king and emperor.
Edward had toured India as a young man, distinguishing himself by his conviction that all people of India should be treated equally and taking offense at some of the heavy-handedness of British officials he felt he had witnessed. The Indian coins of Edward VII nearly all depict the bust of the king.
Denominations
Denominations of coins issued in India under King Edward VII include:
1/12 anna
1/2 pice
1/4 anna
1/2 anna (as a cooper proof from 1904 only)
1 anna
2 annas
1/4 rupee
1/2 rupee
1 rupee
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There are several patterns as well, though they can be very tough to find for sale.
Although Edward VII’s time as Emperor of India was short, the coins from this period are very collectible and, fortunately for collectors, ubiquitous in the marketplace. Of particular interest are Edwardian silver rupee coins; there seem to have been no gold coins issued during this time, unlike other British rulers of India.
When Edward VII died in 1910, his son George V became King of England and Emperor of India.
