Bikaner - silver
'Nazarana' rupee, specially struck to mark the accession of
Karni Singh (1950-1971),
the last titular Maharaja, possibly struck locally at Bikaner, dated VS 2007, Zeno #329524,
unpublished in major references, 11.35g. Obv: Nagari legend Shri Maharajadhiraja Rajarajeshvara Narendra Shiromani Maharaja Shri Karni Simha ji Bahadur within decorative scrolls. Rev: Raj Sri Bikaner in Nagari and a row of symbols - sword, shotgun, fly whisk, parasol, throne, trident pennant; VS 2007 below.
A wonderfully toned specimen in an outstanding state of preservation, exhibiting bold, sharply rendered details, struck in high relief.
Supremely attractive in appearance, with eye-appeal that far exceeds the grade assigned by NGC.
NGC UNC Details cleaned, Extremely rare.
NGC has graded this coin as cleaned; however, the auctioneer believes it is not cleaned and in MS grade.
The only specimen graded by NGC and a remarkably elusive type, with none appearing in sales archives for more than a decade.
An extremely rare specimen, unlikely to be encountered again for years - truly an opportunity not to be missed.
Karni Singh succeeded his father Sadul Singh after his state had merged within the Union of Rajasthan. Apart from being a soldier he was an excellent shooter and an Olympian. The addition of a shotgun to the row of symbols representing Bikaner royalty adds context to the Maharaja's sporting passion.
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