Nripendra Narayan, Silver Ceremonial Nazarana 1/2 Rupee- Narayani Rupee, 4.40g, dated Koch Rajsaka 354 (= AD 1864), Obv: Bangla legend “Shri Shri / Nripendra Narayana / Bhup Sana 354 Saka”, Rev: Bangla legend “Shri Shri / Siva Charana / Kamala Madhu / Karasya” in the square with decorative scrolls in quadrants (KM# 180). Patinated, extremely fine, extremely rare.
Nripendra Narayan was only ten months old when his father, Narendra Narayan, died in 1863. He was crowned maharaja in the same year. He grew up to be an enlightened ruler, abolishing palace slavery in 1884 and endowing several educational institutions for the benefit of his subjects. The currency of ‘Narayani’ rupees (equivalent to ½ rupee weight) was stopped in 1845 by the British government and in 1866 they ceased to be the legal tender; however, rulers were allowed to strike ceremonial issues. The coins of Nripendra Narayan are the first amongst these ceremonial coins to be produced using a machine. Many existing specimens are poorly struck owing to the unfamiliarity of mint operators with imported machinery; however, this piece is exceptional is being well-struck as well as well-preserved.