Diagnostic Controls & Presets Colonial Error Key Date
Diagnostic Forensic Readings
Forensic Attribution Diagnostic
Real-time metallurgical and die variety cross-examination verified against certified populations.
Technical Breakdown: Physics, Metallurgy & Die Diagnostics
Struck at the Calcutta and Bombay Mints. Actual Silver Weight (ASW) is exactly 0.3437 troy oz fine silver.
Due to religious protests across Hindu and Muslim communities in British India, the Government ordered the immediate recall and melting of all 1911 coins.
Documented Benchmark Auction Records
Top-pop Bombay strike, blazing cartwheel satin luster with razor-sharp rounded pig snout on the royal collar badge.
Ultra-rare fractional denomination; escaping the 1912 melting crucibles in pristine condition.
The corrected design issued in massive quantities throughout 1912–1919 with prominent ivory tusks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the 1911 British India King George V Rupee known as the 'Pig Rupee'?
Following King Edward VII's death, new coinage was prepared for King George V's coronation in 1911. On the King's coronation robe was the collar of the Order of the Indian Empire, which featured a miniature elephant. However, the Royal Mint engraver gave the elephant a short snout, small rounded ears, and a curled tail, making it look strikingly like a pig!
Why did the 'Pig Rupee' cause a massive scandal in India?
The pig is considered unclean (haram) in Islam and is taboo in Hinduism. When the coins were released into circulation in India in late 1911, the public was outraged, believing the British government had placed an unclean animal on their sacred currency. Religious protests erupted, and merchants refused to accept the coins.
What did the British colonial government do to resolve the crisis?
The Government of India immediately halted production, ordered commercial banks to stop distributing the coins, and issued a nationwide recall. Over 90% of the entire 1911 production run was gathered, sent to the Calcutta and Bombay Mint melting crucibles, and melted down into silver bars.
How was the design corrected in 1912?
For the 1912 coinage, the Royal Mint modified the master dies. The elephant was given long, distinct ivory tusks, an elongated trunk, and larger ears, leaving no doubt that it was an Indian elephant rather than a pig.
Which denominations were affected by the 1911 'Pig' error?
All silver denominations bearing the King's portrait in 1911 featured the pig-like elephant: the Rupee, Half Rupee, Quarter Rupee, and 2 Annas. The fractional silver coins (especially the Half Rupee) are substantially rarer than the full Rupee.
How can you distinguish a genuine 1911 Pig Rupee from the 1912 coin?
Examine the collar badge on George V's robe under a 5x loupe. On the 1911 'Pig Rupee', the animal has a stubby, rounded snout with NO visible tusks and four short legs. On the 1912 and later coins, two sharp, curved white tusks are clearly visible protruding from the trunk.
How much is a genuine 1911 'Pig Rupee' worth today?
In circulated condition (Very Fine to Extremely Fine), genuine examples sell for $120 to $250 USD. In uncirculated Mint State (MS-63 to MS-64), they command $800 to $1,500 USD. Gem MS-65 or higher specimens exceed $3,500 at major international auctions.