This is a 1940 British India Quarter Rupee silver coin, struck during a pivotal transitional year in British India's monetary history when wartime metal conservation fundamentally reshaped coinage standards. Available through TBNS Jewels, this coin represents a critical historical moment—the watershed year when British India's silver coins shifted from pre-war high-fineness standards to reduced-silver wartime compositions, marking the beginning of the end for precious metal circulation currency in colonial India.

Technical Specifications:
Each coin weighs approximately 2.92 grams and measures 19 millimeters in diameter, struck in 50.0% fine silver (.500 fineness), yielding approximately 1.46 grams of pure silver content per coin. The 1940 quarter-rupee marks the pivotal transition year when the British government mandated reduced silver fineness across British India's smaller denominations to conserve precious metals for World War II military applications. Early 1940 issues may retain reeded edges (from earlier dies), while later 1940 strikes introduced the security edge (serrations and interrupted milling), reflecting the administrative changeover during this watershed year. 

The obverse features the crowned bust of King George VI facing left, with the legend "GEORGE VI KING EMPEROR" inscribed around the rim, executed in clean classical style characteristic of this widely collected series. The reverse displays the denomination "1/4 RUPEE INDIA" prominently at the center with bilingual inscription in English and Urdu (Chaar Ana), surrounded by an ornate wreath composed of roses, thistles, shamrocks, and lotus flowers—floral emblems symbolizing the unity of the British Empire and India.

Why this coin matters for your collection:

• Watershed transitional year — 1940 marks the critical turning point when British India's coinage shifted from pre-war 91.7% silver to wartime .500 silver, making this coin historically essential for understanding monetary policy during WWII
• Early George VI reign issue — struck in 1940, during the opening years of George VI's reign (1936-1952) and just seven years before Indian Independence, adding historical urgency and significance
• Double-die varieties — 1940 quarter-rupees exhibit notable die variety, including mule coins (mismatched obverse/reverse dies) from the transition period, making this year highly prized by specialists
• Reduced silver at peak — this coin represents the exact moment when precious metal content was deliberately reduced for military purposes, embodying the economic sacrifices demanded by global conflict
• Smaller denomination appeal — quarter-rupees are favored by collectors seeking affordable entry points into British India silver coinage and lower-cost precious metal acquisitions
• Mint mark variations — coins from Bombay (dot), Calcutta, and Lahore mints show distinct characteristics, adding depth to type and date collections
• Strong strike quality — this example displays well-defined details on both obverse and reverse, appealing to collectors who prioritize eye appeal and historical presence

Whether you're building a comprehensive George VI type set, assembling a war-era coinage collection, or studying the economic impact of WWII on colonial Indian monetary policy, this 1940 Quarter Rupee is a historically pivotal and collectible addition—a tangible artifact marking the precise moment when precious metal standards shifted forever — available at TBNS Jewels, your source for silver and gold coins.