Catalogo
| Emittente | Sumatra |
|---|---|
| Anno | 1804 |
| Tipo | Standard circulation coin |
| Valore | 2 Kepings (1/200) |
| Valuta | Dollar (1783-1824) |
| Composizione | Copper |
| Peso | 4.4 g |
| Diametro | 25.65 mm |
| Spessore | 1.2 mm |
| Forma | Round |
| Tecnica | Milled |
| Orientamento | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Incisore/i | |
| In circolazione fino al | |
| Riferimento/i | Singh#SS 4, KM#265, Pr#16 |
| Descrizione del dritto | British East India Company coat of arms with supporters. Date Below. Beads around border. |
|---|---|
| Scrittura del dritto | Latin |
| Legenda del dritto |
EAST INDIA COMPANY AUSPICIO REGIS & SENATUS ANGLIÆ 1804 (Translation: Under the auspice of the king and senate of England 1804) |
| Descrizione del rovescio | Arabic inscription with denomination at top and date at bottom using eastern Arabic numeral. Beads around border. |
| Scrittura del rovescio | Latin |
| Legenda del rovescio |
٢ دو کڤڠ ١٢١٩ (Translation: Two keping AH 1219) |
| Bordo | Plain |
| Zecca | |
| Tiratura |
1219 (1804) - - |
| ID Numisquare | 1733203540 |
| Informazioni aggiuntive |
Historical Context: Issued in 1804, this 2 Keping coin originates from the British East India Company's (EIC) administration in Sumatra, centered at Fort Marlborough (Bencoolen). These copper issues were crucial for facilitating commerce and daily transactions within the Company's territories, adapting to local monetary systems. The year 1804 saw the EIC deeply established, navigating colonial trade amidst the Napoleonic Wars, making such coinage essential for regional economic stability.
Artistry: The design of the 2 Keping Thin flan reflects utilitarian colonial coinage, without a specific artistic school or known engraver. The obverse typically features the iconic EIC bale mark, a heart enclosing 'EIC', symbolizing the Company's mercantile presence. The reverse bears the denomination "2 Keping" rendered in Jawi script, reflecting the local linguistic context. This aesthetic prioritizes clarity and function over elaborate artistic embellishment, characteristic of EIC currency production.
Technical/Grading: This 2 Keping coin is distinguished by its "Thin flan," influencing its strike and appearance. High-points for wear and strike quality include the raised letters within the EIC bale mark and the intricate strokes of the Jawi script. Due to the thinner flan and typical production methods, examples often exhibit varying strike consistency, with potential for areas of weakness, particularly at the periphery. Planchet quality can also vary, sometimes showing minor laminations. Its weight of 4.4 grams and diameter of 25.65 millimeters are standard.