The silver rupee is the undisputed foundation of Indian monetary history. Originating under Afghan ruler Sher Shah Suri in 1540 as the 178-grain Rupiya, silver rupee coins became an international benchmark of trade, circulating across the Indian Ocean and Middle East for centuries.
Historic Eras of Silver Rupees
- Sher Shah Suri & Early Mughals (1540–1650): Pure silver hammered coins with Persian inscriptions, struck in Agra, Delhi, and Lahore.
- East India Company (1835–1858): Introduced steam-powered screw press machine coinage bearing King William IV and Queen Victoria portraits.
- Imperial British India (1862–1939): Struck in uniform 0.917 fine silver with intricate floral reverse wreaths.
- Quaternary Silver (1940–1945): Reduced to 0.500 fine silver during World War II with security edge reeding.