Description
Denomination: Indian gold Fanam
Period: – East India Company rule in Madras
Date: c1700 – broad range from around 1640 to the early 19th century.
Origin: Most likely minted in Madras
Condition: VF
Obverse: Illustration of the Goddess Kali
Reverse: Geometric design
Size and Weight: 6mm diameter, 0.35 grams
Features and Provenance: In 1639 the English East India Company obtained the rights to mint coins from the King of Vijayanagar. They based their mint in Madras and produced these exceptionally small ‘Fanams.’
The name Fanam was itself used in India for centuries and refers to a number of different coins, including silver and copper examples from Madras and Kerala.
A number of the Princely States minted their own versions and there are even examples from the Dutch East India Company’s time in India.
These tiny coins were used throughout Southern India and Sri Lanka and usually depict a Hindu God or Goddess, this example depicts the Goddess Kali who is associated with time, change, creation, power, destruction, and death.
Condition Summary. This varies with the age of coin and there are grades inbetween
Uncirculated (U). As struck with no traces of wear
Extremely Fine (EF). Very slight traces of wear. all parts of legend etc present. visible and clear
Very Fine (VF). Some signs of wear on the higher parts of the relief. all parts of legend etc present. but maybe worn
Fine (F). Wear on the coin and parts of legend etc may be missing or not visible
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.