World Coins - Asia & Middle-East. ANDAMAN ISLANDS: Penal Colony, AE rupee token, 1861, KM-Tn1, Prid-1, portrait of Queen Victoria left, center hole as made, PCGS graded EF45. In 1855, the British government proposed a settlement on the islands which would include a convict establishment. The 1857 Indian First War of Independence delayed construction, but provided many new prisoners. Construction began in November 1857 at the renovated Port Blair.Rupee tokens were issued in 1861 and 1866, although internet research has not revealed any past auction results for the pieces dated 1866. The tokens were withdrawn from circulation in 1870.
