1835 Two Mohurs Restrike - NGC PR61CAM

India, 1835 Two Mohurs Restrike -

While the original 1835 double mohur is known by only a handful of examples, the presentation pieces struck in the subsequent decades are more numerous. These presentation pieces are now known as restrikes and are today widely collected by those who can afford them. They’re rare in any grade, difficult to find, and hotly contested at auction when they’re put on the block. The example photographed above is the first that I have had in stock since I began trading and the first that I have seen advertised for sale in Australia for several years. (I recall an original example on offer through Monetarium Australia in 2002. Its price was only $6,500, which goes to show how strongly this issue has performed over the years.) The coin on offer today is graded NGC PR61CAM. It is free from the usual die polish marks, which indicates that it is a later restrike. Nevertheless, the features of the design—the mane of the prowling lion, the leaves of the palm tree, King William IV’s hair—are fully rendered. There is one hairline scratch on the obverse which is visible in the image above. I suspect that were it not for the hairline, the coin would have graded multiple points higher. Of course, without the hairline, it would also have to sell for a great deal more than what I am asking here. Overall, it is a very collectable example with great eye appeal, visual impact, and presence.