Coin guide › George VI
George VI Quaternary Rupee (1940–1945): value and silver content
During the Second World War, silver became too valuable, so rupees were made in "quaternary" alloy: 50% silver mixed with copper, nickel and zinc. Most of them also have a security edge (a groove with beads) to stop people shaving metal off. They're very common and usually sell for their silver value.
Illustration, not the actual coin design · drag to spin
| Ruler | George VI |
|---|---|
| Years | 1940–1945 |
| Denomination | 1 Rupee |
| Metal | 50% silver (quaternary) |
| Standard weight | 11.66 g |
| Pure silver | 5.83 g |
Silver melt value
Default rate ₹250/g (August 2026). Enter today's rate for an accurate figure. Dealers usually pay below melt value, to cover their margin and refining costs.
What to check
These hold half the silver of earlier rupees, so they're worth about half as much as melt. Don't let anyone price them like a pre-1940 rupee.
Questions
How much silver is in a George VI Quaternary Rupee?
A full-weight coin has about 5.83 g of pure silver.
Is my George VI Quaternary Rupee worth more than its silver?
It can be. Sharp, unworn coins, scarcer dates and mint variants attract collectors. Heavily worn common dates usually sell close to melt value.
Should I clean the coin before selling?
No. Cleaning or polishing leaves fine scratches and removes original toning, and collectors pay noticeably less for cleaned coins.
Related coins
Victoria Queen One Rupee
1862–1876
Silver (11/12 fine)Victoria Empress One Rupee
1877–1901
Silver (11/12 fine)Edward VII One Rupee
1903–1910
Silver (11/12 fine)George V "Pig Rupee"
1911
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