Bengal Presidency? Maratha ?, Katak, Silver Rupee, 11.46g, in the name of Shah Alam II, RY 22, complete Mint name on bottom of reverse. Extremely fine+, extremely rare.
Similar rupees were listed by P.P. Kulkarni ('Coinage of the Bhonsla Rajas of Nagpur', p. 135, Type 19). The calligraphy of the coins bears a striking similarity to the East India Company's coins of Murshidabad / Calcutta mints. It is not certain who was behind their issue; if the mint-name is 'real', the Bhonslas remain the best contenders but if it is a pseudo-mint name, i.e. the coins are struck at a place further North into the British realms they could well be East India Company issues. However, more proof is needed to substantiate this position.