Greetings. I have an 1877 and a 1884 British India Rupee. My research says they are supposed to be Silver, but they are worn and a faint brass like colour seems to be showing in some areas. I just don't know what to make of it because they are obviously not fakes! Were Rupees from this general time period Plated? Thanks in advance ... Rick
Never say that they obviously are not fakes. Coins have been faked since the day they were struck, so its very possible these are contemporary counterfeits, not meant to fool collectors today, but to pass as coinage back then. Is the weight correct? First thing to check. If it is off my guess is contemporary counterfeit. This is very common with ancient coins, and not so uncommon with 19th century silver and gold pieces.
What is toning? a very simple and incomplete answer would be change of color. The picture I am posting is a silver coin which toned a golden color.
Rick to Rick Sorry my cat walked upon my key board and sent the message before i was done. What i wanted to say was it's very kind of you to help out someone you don't know. The two answers really helped! All the best to you and yours in 2011 ... Rick Hardy
