George VI, Nickel, 1/4 Rupee, 1946, Bombay Mint, Head Type II, rev IV, Diamond Mint mark, Millededge. GK 1346. NGC Slabbed MS 62. Very Scarce.

George VI Nickel ¼ Rupee 1946, Bombay Mint (Head Type II, Rev IV, Diamond mint mark, milled edge) (GK 1346) is a British India circulation coin struck in nickel during the final phase of colonial coinage, when non-silver alloys were increasingly adopted for fractional denominations. The obverse features the refined “Head Type II” portrait of King George VI with imperial inscriptions, while the reverse (Rev IV) shows the denomination “Quarter Rupee” along with the date and Bombay Mint attribution, distinguished by the diamond mint mark and a milled edge intended to improve durability and prevent clipping in circulation.

This 1946 issue belongs to the late George VI series, representing a transitional period in Indian coinage policy immediately preceding independence, when metal composition changes were widely implemented due to wartime economic constraints and post-war monetary adjustments. The design retains the standard imperial format but reflects modernised minting practices in its alloy and production style.

The example graded NGC MS62 is an uncirculated specimen with full mint luster and only minor contact marks consistent with bag storage, placing it at the entry level of Mint State preservation. Its “Very Scarce” designation reflects its limited availability in certified higher grades, particularly for clearly attributed Bombay Mint diamond-mark varieties within the 1946 nickel ¼ rupee series.