This set of 4 coins in one of the fascinating trial patterns in British Indian coin series.
The first coin is the 1904 1/4 Anna in bronze rather than the copper of the circulating coins, graded by NGC as PF 64 BN.
Obverse: EDWARD VII KING & EMPEROR,
Reverse: Counter-stamped “1”, thick flan (SW 7.163; Pr 1051A)
The weight of the copper 1/4 Anna coins: 6.42-6.56gms
The weight of the Bronze 1/4 Anna coins: 4.76-4.99gms (difference of 1.5 to 1.7 gms)
The reverse counter stamped “1” in a similar position to that of the other 3 coins, however, it does appear that a different “1” punch was used on each piece. The base of the digit is very slightly different
The 2nd & 3rd coins are the 1/2 Pice set with counter stamps “1” and “2”. The coin with the counter stamp “1” has been struck on a thinner planchet and is graded by NGC as PF 64 BN and SW 7.188. The coin with the counter stamped “2” has been struck on a thick flan (SW 7.189) and In NGC holder graded PF65RB.
The weight of the copper 1/2 Pice coins: 3.08-3.32gms
The weight of the Bronze 1/2 Pice coins: 2.36-2.49gms (difference of 0.72 to 1.2 gms)
As with the 1/12-Anna, it is being as a Pattern due to the metal used. There is a “1” counter stamped on the reverse to the right of the space between PICE and INDIA. This coin is graded by NGC as PF64BN, Both “1” and “2” countermarks are known to exist on these coins. (SW 7.213)
It would make sense for these marks to demarcate the metal used for the trial with the “1” punched on the copper planchets, as these came first, and the “2” on the bronze planchets. However, the coin with countermark “2” has been seen by anyone yet.
The weight of the copper 1/2 Pice coins: 2.09-2.18gms
The weight of the Bronze 1/2 Pice coins: 1.48-1.65gms (difference of 0.62 to 0.80 gms)
This set was last sold as part of the David Fore sale and hence is Ex. David Fore collection, Ex. Diana, Ex. Pridmore, Ex. Brand, Ex. Montague. When the David Fore sale happened in 2011-2013 these 4 coins were sold as separate lots (Auction 82, Lots 726, 732, 733, 740), It took me about 4 years to put this set together.
Reference:
Baldwins Auctions
SW Catalog – Uniform coinage of India, 1835 to 1947, Randy Weir & Paul Stevens