1/4 Rupee George VI King Emperor 1939 Silver Coin, British India Uniform Coinage, Collectible

¼ Rupee George VI King – George VI (1895-1952 CE) was the second son of King George V and Queen Mary. He was preceded by his elder brother Edward VIII. He served in the Royal Navy, the Royal Naval Air Service and the Royal Air Force, joining the Trinity College of Cambridge University thereafter. In 1920 CE, he was made the duke of York. 

George was crowned unexpectedly as his elder brother Edward abdicated shortly after their father’s death. During his reign (r. 1936-1952 CE) his stable family life worked to improve his public image. When World War II began he visited soldiers across several battle fronts and raised their morale. During the Battle of Britain, he and his family refused to leave London for the safety of Canada in a brave show of solidarity with their people. 

In India, George VI’s reign was important as it saw the Quit India movement, the Naval Mutiny, the partition of India and the birth of two independent states called India and Pakistan. Coins were issued in his name in India from 1938 CE to 1947 CE. He lost his title of ‘Emperor of India’ when India and Pakistan became two independent states, but was also acknowledged as the head of the Commonwealth of Nations. He succumbed to lung cancer and died aged only fifty-six. He was succeeded by his daughter Elizabeth I.

The specifications of this coin:

• Weight: 2.92 gm
• Diameter: 19 mm
• Shape: Round
• Orientation: Medal Alignment
• Edge: Reeded Edge
• Metal: Silver