British India, King George V, Silver Rupee of Calcutta Mint

“It would appear that knowledge of natural history is somewhat lacking among the draughtsmen responsible for designing coinage in London,” observed a newspaper report from January 1912. It was referring to rupees launched in December 1911 carrying George V’s effigy in full coronation regalia, designed by Bertram Mackennal. But people soon noticed that the figure of an Indian elephant engraved on his robes looked more like a pig! This caused a furore and the coins were recalled on 23 January, 1912.