The Mengani State cash coupon (also spelled Mengni) is a rare emergency paper currency issued by the small princely state of Mengani in Kathiawar (modern-day Gujarat, India) during World War II (1939–1945).
Historical Context
Emergency Issue: These coupons were created to address an acute shortage of small metallic coins during the war, as metals were diverted for military "Imperial Purposes".
Issuer: Mengani was one of India's smallest princely states, covering only 34–35 square miles with a population of approximately 3,600 people (1931 census).
Legality: While not official national currency, they served as "exigent money" or substitutes for British Indian 1 paisa (1/4 anna) coins and had limited circulation within the state.
Design Features
Visuals: The coupons are typically uniface (printed on one side) on thick card paper or pressboard.
Imagery: Most features a cow at the center with a scroll containing English text.
Text: Includes "MANGNI TALUKA" in English and Gujarati text identifying it as a "State Mengni Taluka Revenue Stamp, One Paiso".
Denominations: Primarily found in 1 Paisa and 2 Paisa values.
