The 1918 India Half Rupee is a late‑George V silver issue struck at the Bombay Mint during the final year of World War I. Produced in .917 fine silver, it continues the long‑established purity standard of Indian rupees and fractional denominations.

The obverse shows the crowned bust of King George V facing left with the legend GEORGE V KING EMPEROR. The reverse displays HALF RUPEE INDIA 1918 within an ornate wreath that blends British and Indian floral emblems:

• Rose – England
• Thistle – Scotland
• Shamrock – Ireland
• Lotus – India

This symbolic combination reflects the political structure of the British Empire and the cultural identity of India. The 1918 issue is popular for its wartime context, strong strike quality, and its place within the final years of high‑silver Indian coinage before reductions in the 1920s.

Obverse

Crowned bust of George V facing left. Legend: GEORGE V KING EMPEROR.

Reverse

Denomination HALF RUPEE INDIA 1918. Wreath incorporating rose, thistle, shamrock, and lotus.

Historical Notes

• Struck during World War I.
• Minted at the Bombay Mint (no mintmark on silver denominations).
• Wreath combines UK national emblems with the Indian lotus.
• Part of the long‑running George V silver series (1911–1936).
• High‑purity .917 silver, consistent with pre‑1920 rupee standards.

Specifications

• Country: India (British Raj)
• Denomination: Half Rupee
• Year: 1918
• Monarch: George V
• Metal: .917 Silver
• Weight: 5.83 g
• Diameter: 24 mm
• Edge: Reeded
• Mint: Bombay
• Obverse: Crowned bust of George V left
• Reverse: HALF RUPEE INDIA 1918; wreath with rose, thistle, shamrock & lotus
• Mintage: 22,000,000
• Catalogue References:
  • KM: 517
  • Pridmore: Type 25

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