Indian 1 Rupee Fantasy Mule/Counterfeit (Nehru / 1912 Reverse)
Country of Origin: India (Fantasy/Counterfeit issue)
Year of Issue: Dated 1989 and 1912 (mismatched)
Denomination: 1 Rupee
Composition: Likely base metal or silver-plated alloy (brass/white metal)
Brief Description
A deceptive fantasy medal or counterfeit mule featuring the head of Jawaharlal Nehru on the obverse and an Edward VII style floral 1 Rupee reverse dated 1912.
Historical Significance
This is not a legal tender coin. It is a 'mule' fantasy piece where the obverse of a 1989 Nehru commemorative is paired with a reverse design from the British Raj era (1912). Such items are often sold to tourists as 'rare' errors.
Estimated Value
$1-$5 as a curiosity or novelty item
Care Instructions
Handle by the edges; avoid chemical cleaners. As it is a modern fantasy piece, professional conservation is not necessary.
Mint Mark
No authentic mint marks; might show imitation marks for Bombay (Dot) or Calcutta (Plain).
Mintage & Rarity
Unknown; mass-produced novelty item.
Weight & Diameter
Approx. 11.66g and 30.6mm (intended to mimic George V rupees) or lighter if cheap alloy.
Edge
Likely reeded or plain (inconsistently made)
Apparent Grade
Very Fine to Extremely Fine (applied aging/patina)
Obverse (Front)
Portrait of Jawaharlal Nehru facing right, wearing a Gandhi cap. Legend: 'JAWAHARLAL NEHRU CENTENARY' in English and Hindi with '1989'.
Reverse (Back)
Value 'ONE RUPEE INDIA 1912' surrounded by a floral wreath of roses, thistles, shamrocks, and lotus flowers (Design used during British India).
What Drives This Coin's Value
Its value is purely as a novelty because it is a non-existent coin type produced by pairing two unrelated coin dies.
Similar Coins
Authentic 1989 Nehru 1 Rupee (Cupro-Nickel) and authentic 1912 Silver 1 Rupee (George V). This item combines designs from both.
Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags
This item is a historical impossibility. Nehru was born in 1889, his centenary was 1989; there is no possible reason for a 1912 date on a Nehru coin. Check weight and magnetism (authentic 1912 rupees are silver and non-magnetic).
Notable Varieties & Errors
N/A - All examples of this specific mule are fantasy/counterfeit issues.
Created At: 2026-06-26T01:25:46.359090