Coins In Lucknow Mus. Vol 01 [56 MB - IndianCoins.org

65117. Tliis would doubtless be an excellent guide for our nativeengravers, but we do not think it necessary to suspend the introductionof the new device until it is obtained, the present matricesbeing in our opinion quite good enough for the purpose." 8. It would be highly desirable, however, to procure a goodcollection of modern medals and coins from England to serve asmodels for our native school of die engravers, and it will beparticularly requisite to be furnished from the London mint withproof impressions of the King's head, especially on the occasion ofa new sovereign. The present head is copied from an Englishgold coin procured in the bazar, and considerably rubbed on thesurface."9. It may be satisfactory to inform your Honor in Councilthat we have ascertained from Colonel Presgrave, Mint and AssayMaster at Saugor, that he will be able to strike the new coinin his mint, if provided with collar dies instead of those nowfurnished to him." 10. There is then no obstacle to the introduction at once ofthe new currency, if only reasonable time be allowed for the preparationor multiplication of dies (of which unfortunately thesupply on hand is small). The coinage of sicca rupees has been forsome time suspended as a preliminary measure."11. With reference to this last point and to the adoption ofthe 180 grain rupee as the universal coin of British India, webeg leave to call the attention of your Honor in Council to theexpediency of changing at the same time the rupee of account inthe general books of this presidency." 12. The maintaining of the sicca rupee in account after itscoinage has been abolished would be evidently impolitic, and evennow, from the erroneous valuation given to the Farrukhabadrupee in exchange (104^ to 100 siccas), considerable inconvenienceis experienced in adjusting accounts between the Mint andthe Accountant-General's offices, and the Collectors of the upperprovinces. Should the new unit be adopted,it will be advisableto convert all sicca values and amounts into it at the intrinsic parof ^-f to avoid the confusion of the fictitious exchange hithertoemployed."In reply to this letter the Secretary to Government wasordered to inform the Mint Committee that :" 1. The rupee having on one side the device of His Majesty'shead, and on the reverse the inscription EAST INDIA COMPANY,together with the nominal value of the coin in English, Persianand Nagari, and the representation of a lotus flower and mj^rtlewreath, has been approved by the Governor-General in Councilas the model for the future coinage of the rupee of British India.Your suggestion for introducing on this coin the straight millingof the English currency is also approved and sanctioned." 2. The Governor-General in Council does not contemplatethe introduction of the new device until matrix diessuspendingcan be obtained from England. You will be therefore pleased tocommunicate with the Madras, Bombay aud Saugor mints, with