Coins of Bundi Princely State

Bundi was one of the smaller princely states of India, in modern day Rajasthan. In the early 19^th century, it accepted British protection – and from 1858 onward, the coins of Bundi carried the name of the local ruler (Ram Singh) together with the British ruler – Victoria, Edward VII and George V respectively. Unlike other coins of modern age, which are milled, coins of Bundi were hammered – making the quality uneven - with the impression not falling on the planchet completely. The silver rupee of Bundi was thicker than the standard British India rupee, with a lower diameter – 21-2 mm vs. 30-31 mm, and slightly lighter – 10.6-10.7 grams instead of the 11.66 grams.

For a collector, Bundi coins are of interest for multiple reasons:

1. Rare: Bundi was a small princely state with a population of less than 1 million, so fewer coins were minted. As a result, these coins are very hard to find. 
2. Hammered, not milled: Most modern coins (19th & 20th century) are milled. Bundi coins are hammered. Even the coin from 1920s - in the name of George V, is hammered. 
3. Names of 2 rulers: Princely state coins used to follow this practice - name of local ruler on one side, and the British ruler on the other side. Bundi silver rupees bear the names of Victoria, Edward VII and George V. 

Browse through our selection of Rare Coins to look for Bundi coins.