An AD/CE1892 (VS1949) 2-paisa from the Indian Princely state of Baroda. A milled coin—interesting because Baroda had been producing milled coin in quantity for only about a decade before this coin was struck.
This 1892 2-paisa belongs to this monarch’s lighter 2-paisa type, adopted just a year earlier. Their diameter remained constant at c. 30mm, but the thickness and weight of the new coins had been considerably reduced from the earlier type—keeping in mind that there are noticeable differences in the dimensions of these coins as individuals (despite their having been machine-struck).
This 1892 2-paisa was struck under the authority of the Maharaja Sayajiaro Gaekwad III—ruler of Baroda from 1875-1939, although he was not free of the regency until late 1881. Sayajiaro is known today as a great modernizer of his State, and so this machine-struck coin might be taken as a small symbol of that modernizing impulse.
”Gaekwad” of the family name means “cowherd,” or something like it—and is said to derive from the humble occupation practiced by an early and important member of the family. The cow’s hoof visible on this coin appears to be a reference to that piece of family lore, as does the scimitar below, which is said to reference a long-ago title won by a family member for his superior swordplay.
A final note. I can’t say what the connection might be—because unlike the Chinese case, which can be easily explained—these Barodan 2-paisa pieces display a wreath that seems to me to be incredibly reminiscent of the intertwined maple leaves on the contemporary Canadian large cent.
Maybe one more note. Baroda’s coinage ceased less than a decade after this 1892 2-paisa was struck, and the State (I have read) began using the coins of British India in 1901.
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