United East India Company
Madras Presidency 1794-1797
Copper One Dub

The Dutch Government in Ceylon Surrendered to the British Forces on 1796 February 14th and Ceylon was made a part of the Madras Presidency, until it became a British Crown Colony in 1802. A copper VEIC One 48th of Rupee from the Madras Presidency struck at Soho Mint Birmingham, England for the United East India company in 1794 and 1797. The Arcot Rupee being counted as a Rix Dollar (12 Fannams or 48 Stivers). It was stuck to the same weight of the Dutch Stuiver and was known as a Dub.

SPECIFICATIONS
Denomination1/48 Rupee
AlloyCopper
TypeStruck
Weight Legal13.35 gms
ShapeRound
EdgeIncuse letters
MintEngland
Diameter30.7 mm
Thickness2.1 mm
Weight13.15 gms
Die-Axis180°
Year 1797
1797_eic_f48r_cu_obverse 1797_eic_f48r_cu_reverse
India-British-KM#398
Obverse: Company's Bale Mark inscribed V E I C. On a broad rim along the periphery UNITED EAST INDIA COMPANY and date 1797 at bottom.
Reverse: Company's Arms supported by two lions facing forward crested with the head of knights armor with a lion rampant to left on top holding a lamp. 48 below. On a broad rim along the periphery motto in Latin AUSPICO REGIS ET SENATUS ANGLIAE which to "By command of the King and Parliament of England"
Rim: Incuse ENGLISH UNITED EAST INDIA COMPANY

The bale Mark which was stamped on goods of the Company had letters V E I C (Vnited East India Company) placed in each quadrant within a heart, parted by a cross saltire, and crested with a 4.

The coin dated 1794 was minted before the British take over of Ceylon, but both coins circulated in Ceylon and I have seen a hoard found in Kurunagala, which although of low grade had coins of both years.

The VF+ condition coin was scanned at 600 dpi and displayed at 250 dpi. It is from part of Lalith Raddella's collection I purchased in 2016 December.