Owner Comments:
The Madras One Cash piece is, by far, the smallest coin struck at the Soho Mint, measuring just 11.5mm. It seems somewhat comical that the largest and smallest coinage struck at the Soho Mint would prove the most difficult. In this case, Boulton had to design special equipment to strike such a tiny coin with any degree of proficiency.
Obverse: Compared to the other East India Company coinage struck by the Soho Mint, the obverse design is very plain. I assume the tiny size of the coin prevented any intricate design. The obverse design consists of a left-outward-facing lion perched on top of a tightly knotted and curved ribbon. The lion’s left foot is resting upon a ball above the ribbon, while the right foot is flexed pushing off the ribbon. The lion is holding a regal crown upright to the left side of the coin from the viewer’s perspective. The date “1803” appears immediately below the ribbon and just above the relatively thick raised rim.
Reverse: The denomination " KAS" or “CASH” appears in Persian above two parallel lines. Immediately below the denomination, the legend "I. CASH." appears just above a decorated divider with a flower in the center and radiating branches bisected by progressively smaller balls. The entire reverse design is contained within a relatively thick raised rim.
Edge: Plain
Notes: This example is from the
Robert P. Puddester Collection, which was one of the finest collections of East India Company coinage assembled. Although listed by NGC as
MS, the auctioneer, Mr. Puddester, and the source where Mr. Puddester purchased this piece, all consider it a bronzed proof. After careful consideration, I am inclined to agree with the majority, but I have been unwilling to forfeit the special label affixed to this coin to have the issue corrected. Nonetheless, I am happy to have a gem example of a very popular type.