One Rupee of Baroda State of Sayaji Rao Silver Coin

Baroda State 1 Rupee of Sayajirao III dated 1949 Vikram Samvat is a late princely‑state silver rupee featuring the Gaekwad ruler’s portrait and a traditional sword‑and‑wreath reverse legend in Marathi.

Obverse description

The obverse shows a right‑facing bust of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III in court dress, wearing an ornate turban with plume and multiple necklaces, rendered in fine linear detail. Around the portrait runs a Marathi legend naming the ruler “श्रीमंत महाराजा सयाजीराव गायकवाड,” all within a raised rim and toothed border.

Reverse description

The reverse carries the denomination in Devanagari “एक रुपया” in two lines at centre, with a stylized sword placed horizontally below. The date “१९४९” (Vikram Samvat year) appears beneath the sword, all enclosed by a laurel wreath tied at the bottom and surrounded by a beaded raised rim.

Historical and numismatic note

This rupee belongs to the final phase of Baroda State coinage, issued shortly before and around the integration of princely states into the Indian Union, giving it strong historical interest. Collectors value the type for its attractive portrait of Sayajirao III, the clear indigenous Marathi legends, and its place as one of the last silver rupees of a prominent Maratha princely state.