George VI Tiger/Lion Type One Rupee

British India (issued by the Government of India) · 1947

A silver-colored nickel coin featuring the crowned profile of King George VI on the obverse and a walking tiger on the reverse.

Country: British India (issued by the Government of India)
Year: 1947
Denomination: 1 Rupee
Metal: Nickel

This report is AI-generated and can be wrong. Always verify grade, authenticity, and value with a qualified dealer or certified grading service before buying, selling, or insuring.

Identified July 5, 2026More british india (issued by the government of india) coins →

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Overview

A silver-colored nickel coin featuring the crowned profile of King George VI on the obverse and a walking tiger on the reverse.

Historical significance

This was the final Rupee coin issued under British rule before India gained independence in August 1947. It marks the end of the colonial Raj numismatic history.

Obverse (front)

Crowned head of King George VI facing left. Lettering: 'GEORGE VI KING EMPEROR'. Designed by Percy Metcalfe.

Reverse (back)

A walking tiger facing left, with the denomination 'ONE RUPEE' in English, Hindi ('Ek Rupiya'), and Urdu. 'INDIA' and the date '1947' appear below.

Estimated value

$2-$5 in circulated condition; $15-$50 in Mint State (MS-60 to MS-65).

What drives this coin's value

Lustre and surface marks are the primary value drivers for this common date. Extremely high-grade examples (MS-65+) command a significant premium.

Grade assessment

Fine/Very Fine. The coin shows significant wear on the king's crown and features, as well as the tiger's musculature, but the legends are fully legible.

Mintage & rarity

Common. Total mintage for 1947 exceeds 150 million pieces across both mints.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Check for the 'Security Edge'. The coin should be magnetic (nickel). Counterfeits are less common for this date than earlier silver issues, but cast copies will lack sharp lettering.

Notable varieties & errors

Small variations in the tiger's tail and the exact positioning of the mint mark exist, though they carry little extra premium.

Similar coins

The 1947 Half Rupee and Quarter Rupee share the tiger design but are smaller. Earlier 1940-1945 Rupees feature the same obverse but have a floral wreath on the reverse and are made of Quaternary Silver.