It might look like a chocolate coin on hanging on a Christmas tree, but you wouldn’t want to bite into this 22-carat gold collector’s piece.
Prized for its historic and artistic interest, it is expected to make £600-£800 when it goes under the hammer at Holloways’ auction in Banbury on January 21.
Known as a mohur it was minted by the famous East India Company in 1841.
Such was the power of the trading company at the height of colonial Britain, it was allowed to mint its own currency, and even wage war.
Rather than replacing the subcontinent’s existing currency, it continued to produce coins using a unique combination of British and Indian insignia.
But by 1835, the coins showing Mughal rulers had been replaced by British-style gold coins bearing the British monarch.
Hollways’ director, Jasper Marsh, said: “The coin features one of the earliest official portraits of Queen Victoria on Indian coinage. Consequently, it is known as a “young head” design – an iconic piece highly admired by collectors for its artistry and distinctive classical style.”
He continued: “These examples are rare. Gold coins usually had much lower mintages compared to silver rupees or copper, and fewer survived because many were melted for their bullion value.”
Once mohurs went out of circulation many were turned into pendants becoming jewellery rather than money.
Jasper continued: “We don’t know how this particular piece found its way from India to Oxfordshire, but many were worn by wealthy merchants to show their connection to the colonial elite or princely families. A coin like this one appeals to multiple major collecting group, from Indian numismatists to gold coin investors. From Banbury to Mumbai, I can’t help wondering where its next home will be.”
Auction Details
Auction: The Banbury Fine Jewellery, Silver, Fine Art & Antiques Auction
Auction date: 21st January 2026 | 10am
Location: Hansons’ Oxfordshire Saleroom
Auction contact: [email protected]
Catalogue/bidding: www.hansonslive.co.uk | www.the-saleroom.com
