1862(C) British India Queen Victoria Crown Head 1/4 Rupee Silver Coin NGC MS62 Highlights: 1. Compared to the 1 rupee coin, the 1/4 rupee, owing to its smaller denomination and greater exposure to circulation damage or dissolution during wartime, has produced very few well-preserved specimens. 2. A classic among Victorian silver coins, carries an added sense of imperial vicissitudes, making it worth collecting. 3. The mintage of the 1/4 rupee coin was far lower than that of the 1 rupee coin, making it considerably rarer. Moreover, it was minted only in 1862, with no subsequent redating until later years, making it a one-year type for this denomination, resulting in an extremely limited surviving population. Coin Story: The British India Rupee series coins from 1862 were the first crown-ruled currency issued during Queen Victoria's reign in the United Kingdom. Previously, Indian currency was issued by the East India Company, but after the 1857 Indian Rebellion (Sepoy Mutiny), the British Parliament passed the Government of India Act in 1858, transferring governance of India to the British Crown. These silver coins issued in 1862 marked the transition of the monetary system from company rule to crown rule, replacing the old company rupees. The 1/4 Rupee was an auxiliary denomination for small transactions. This series reflects British imperialism's expansion and efforts to standardize Indian currency, influencing subsequent colonial coin designs. This coin appeals to collectors of British colonial, Indian, or Victorian-era numismatics, with value driven by grade, eye appeal, and certification. An NGC MS62 example typically ranges from $100-200 in current markets. It's suitable for mid-level collectors building type sets, as the smaller denomination makes it more affordable than full Rupees.