East India Company Tin Coin of Bombay PresidencyDouble-die struck.

This double – die struck tin coin was minted at Bombay during the rule of the East India Company in 1771 CE during the rule of King George. On the obverse, it mentions the letters ‘GR’ stands for “Georgius Rex,” which presumably is King George I, split by the crown’s orb and cross, and BOMB, which is for Bombay. The rims of the coin are “denticle” shaped. On the reverse it mentions in Latin “AUSPICIO REGIS ET SENATUS ANGLIAE” which translates to “By the authority of the King and Parliament of England” in English.

The first pice struck in Bombay during the reign of Charles II are notable for their rarity, unique inscriptions, and the complexity of their dating. These coins emerged as a result of the acquisition of Bombay from Portugal in 1661, included in the dowry of Catherine of Braganza upon her marriage to Charles II. Although the island was formally transferred to the English East India Company only in 1668, this marked a turning point in its development as a key commercial hub. The Company introduced coinage with English inscriptions to assert their presence and gradually replace the local currencies in the areas they controlled, much like earlier efforts with Elizabeth I’s Portcullis money.

This coin was displayed as part of Sarmaya’s exhibition – ‘High Seas, Open Roads’ (12 January to 15 February 2025)