Victoria Queen, Copper, Quarter Anna, 1862, Madras Mint, A/I, No privy mark, No mint mark. GK 399. NGS Slabbed MS 61 BN Choice. Rare.

Queen Victoria Copper Quarter Anna 1862, Madras Mint (A/I, no privy mark, no mint mark) (GK 399) is a British India early imperial circulation coin struck in copper during the formative years of standardized coinage under the Crown following the 1858 transfer of power from the East India Company to the British Crown. The obverse features the youthful crowned and draped bust of Queen Victoria with the legend “Victoria Queen,” reflecting the early imperial portrait style used before later “Empress” issues, while the reverse carries the denomination “Quarter Anna” with the date, issued from the Madras Mint without a visible mint mark or privy mark for this type.

This coin belongs to the early A/I portrait classification series, representing one of the foundational copper fractional denominations used for everyday transactions across colonial India in the mid-19th century. The 1862 issue is part of the early standardized copper coinage that replaced earlier Company issues and helped establish uniform imperial currency across the presidency mints.

The example graded NGC MS61 BN (Brown) Choice is an uncirculated specimen retaining original mint surfaces with natural brown patina and moderate mint luster, showing only minor contact marks consistent with early mint handling or long-term storage. Its “Rare” designation reflects its relative scarcity in certified Mint State condition, particularly for early Madras Mint copper fractional issues in well-preserved, problem-free state.