Rare Bikaner State Maharaja Ganga Singh Silver Nazrana Rupee – 50th Anniversary of Reign – VS 1994 (1937) – 12.85g – KM# X M1 – 89 Years Old
Bikaner State – Maharaja Ganga Singh Bahadur
Silver Nazrana Rupee | 50th Anniversary of Reign | VS 1994 / 1937 AD
A remarkable silver Nazrana Rupee issued by the princely state of Bikaner to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the accession of Maharaja Ganga Singh. Dated VS 1994, corresponding to 1937 AD, this prestigious presentation issue features a striking frontal portrait of the Maharaja on the obverse and his crowned “GS” monogram surrounded by royal insignia on the reverse.
This is a particularly attractive example of Bikaner’s commemorative medallic coinage and an important piece for collectors of Indian Princely States, royal commemoratives and Maharaja Ganga Singh.
OBVERSE:
The obverse features a dignified front-facing portrait of Maharajadhiraja Sri Ganga Singhji Bahadur.
The portrait is surrounded by the Nagari legend:
“Maharajadhiraja Sri Ganga Singhji Bahadur”
The use of a frontal royal portrait gives this Nazrana Rupee a distinctly ceremonial and commemorative character.
REVERSE:
The reverse features the ornate crowned “GS” monogram of Ganga Singh placed beneath a decorative canopy and surrounded by a wreath.
Around the design is the Nagari legend:
“Raj Sri Bikaner Gangashahi 1994 Ek Rupiya”
The reverse is further decorated with important royal symbols associated with the Bikaner state, including the eagle, ceremonial mace, flywhisk, royal umbrella, sun shield, trident and flag.
These symbols add considerable visual and historical interest to the coin and represent the royal authority and traditions of the House of Bikaner.
COIN DETAILS:
State: Bikaner Princely State
Ruler: Maharaja Ganga Singh Bahadur
Reign: 1887–1943
Issue: 50th Anniversary of Reign
Date: VS 1994 / 1937 AD
Denomination: 1 Rupee
Type: Silver Nazrana Rupee
Metal: Silver
Weight: 12.85 g
Diameter: 30.55 mm
Reference: KM# X M1
Strike Type: Nazrana / Presentation Issue
Obverse: Frontal portrait of Maharaja Ganga Singh with Nagari legend
Reverse: Crowned GS monogram under canopy with royal symbols and Nagari legend
Script: Devanagari / Nagari
Edge: Reeded
Age: Approximately 89 years old
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND:
Maharaja Ganga Singh was one of the most prominent rulers of the princely state of Bikaner. He ascended the throne in 1887 and ruled Bikaner for more than five decades.
His reign witnessed significant administrative and infrastructural development in the state. Ganga Singh is associated with modernization projects including irrigation, railways, electricity and administrative reforms, helping transform Bikaner during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The year 1937 marked the 50th anniversary of his accession to the throne, and this special Nazrana Rupee was issued as a commemorative presentation piece for that important royal milestone.
WHY THIS COIN IS SPECIAL:
• 50th Anniversary of Maharaja Ganga Singh's reign
• Dated VS 1994 / 1937 AD
• Striking frontal portrait of the Maharaja
• Crowned “GS” royal monogram
• Elaborate royal insignia of Bikaner
• Silver Nazrana / presentation issue
• KM# X M1
• Important Bikaner Princely State commemorative
• Highly desirable type for Princely State collectors
NUMISMATIC SIGNIFICANCE:
Nazrana coins were prestigious presentation issues associated with royal ceremonies, commemorations and important occasions. Unlike ordinary circulating rupees, their purpose and design gave them a strong ceremonial character.
This Bikaner issue is particularly interesting because it combines the portrait of Maharaja Ganga Singh with his personal “GS” monogram and a series of traditional symbols representing the authority and identity of the Bikaner State.
The combination of a royal portrait, commemorative purpose, silver composition and elaborate state symbolism makes this one of the more visually distinctive issues of Bikaner’s modern princely coinage.
COLLECTOR'S APPEAL:
An excellent addition to collections specialising in:
Bikaner State Coins
Maharaja Ganga Singh
Indian Princely State Coins
Silver Nazrana Rupees
Royal Presentation Coins
Bikaner Commemorative Coinage
Indian Maharaja Coins
Rajputana Coinage
British Indian Princely States
20th Century Indian Numismatics
A remarkable silver Nazrana Rupee commemorating the **50th anniversary of Maharaja Ganga Singh's accession to the throne**, featuring his dignified portrait, crowned GS monogram and the rich royal symbolism of Bikaner — an outstanding piece of Indian Princely State history.
