Kings on Coins - Maharaja Vikram Sinh Rao, Dewas Sr. Br.

Maharaja Vikram Sinh Rao Pavar was the ruler of Dewas State, Senior Branch from 1937 to 1948. It is a maratha state located in west-central India, present Maharashtra. The rule of Dewas state was divided between two brothers Krishnaji Rao and Narayan Rao. They each ruled Dewas State, Senior Branch and Dewas State, Junior Branch.

The copper coin shown above is the only issue with the name and portrait of the king of that state. The mintage is not known exactly but it is extrmely low. Hence it is a very rare and valuable coin. In the year 1888 1/12 anna and 1/4 anna coin were also minted separately for both the states with the portrait of Empress Victoria. Curious coin collectors can note this small information,that in an recent auction, this small, strange looking copper coin was sold out for more than US$500 only.

"VICTORY" Note of Philippines issued by US Govt. during WW 2

America gained it's power in philippines at the beginning of 20th century after defeating Spain, who ruled in Philippines since 16th century. Philippines was under U.S. occupation till it got independence from USA on 4th July, 1946.

During the second world war, Japan attacked on Philippines and occupied some of their territories. Japan also attacked on USA at Pearl Harbour, which forced USA to jump in the war. Before that they had refrained from to take part in war. USA joined the Allies and later attacked with nuclear bombs on Nagasaki and Hiroshima cities of Japan, which literally brought an end to the war, with the victory of Allies.

To commemorate this victory, USA government of Philippines issued the victory series currency notes with overprinted word "VICTORY" on it. All denominations of notes had these words on it for that single year. If you see the obverse side carefully, it represents a 1 dollar note of USA. Figure 1 in oval design, blue seal on the left side, picture of local hero (Apolinario Mabini in this case) on right side and promise to pay silver pesos are the similar features between the two.

WW II Japanese Military Currency

These military currency notes were issued by Japanese government for use by military forces in Japan and other territories captured by them. Even though Japanese government had issued special notes for use in Philippines and Burma in their local currency, these military currency notes were also issued for the use by the army. Such military currency notes were issued by many countries like Japan, China, Italy, France, Germany, USA, Great Britain and other countries who particiated in World War II.

Kings on Coins - King Edward VIII, Great Britain

King Edward VIII became the king of Great Britain after his father King George V on 20th January 1936. But he wasn't able to rule for longer period. He was in love with an American Lady (divorcee) and wanted to marry her. But this marraige was opposed by King's government on legal, religious, political and moral grounds. Further his wish was also opposed by Church of England and other Heads of many English Establishments all over the world. The king had to choose between the throne and his love. He chose his love. And so the opposition towards this incident led to the abdication of the king on 10th Decenber 1936 by his consent. He gave away the throne to his younger brother King George VI.

Regarding the coins, officially no coins were struck bearing head of Edward VIII for the circulation. But pattern coins of one penny and three pence were struck in small quantity with the year 1937. Unofficial pattern coin of One Crown and Half sovereigns were also struck but they don't have any catalog value.

But outside England, coins of Edward VIII were officially struck in British territories of East Africa and West Africa without the face. These coins became very popular and pride for every coin collector. In East Africa these coins were issued in 5 penny and 10 penny denominations and in West Africa in 1 penny, half and one-tenth penny. Those coin are known as hole pennies.

Besides these, coins in the name of King Edward VIII were struck in Indian Princely States of Kutch and Jodhpur by local rulers. Below is the picture of the copper quarter anna coin of Jodhpur state in the joint name of Maharaja Umaid Singh and Edward VIII issued in year 1936.

The coin shown above is a silver 1 kori coin of Kutch state in the joint name of Maharaja Khengarji III and Edward VIII. Other denominations are 3 dokda, 2 1/2 and 5 kori, in which coins in the name of Edward VIII were issued. 3 dokda coin was issued in copper and other coins in silver metal. Two and half kori is rarest of them and is scarcely available.

Another official coin bearing the head of King Edward VIII was issued by Gibraltar in 1993 on the 40th anniversary of coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. This coin was issued in proof silver and in 1 crown and half crown denominations On this occasion coins with the head of many former kings and queens were also issued.

Other than these no coins have been officially minted for Edward VIII. There are many other coins, but all of them are fantasy or pattern coins which have no catalog value. Collectors should be beware of them.

Here is the official design of an australian 1 dollar note which was suppose to be issued with the picture of King Edward VIII, but such notes were never printed. No banknote was ever issued bearing his name or portrait anywhere.