Madras Mint – Early Coinages – South Indian System – Gold Alamgir, Pagoda 1692 to 1707

As well as traditional South Indian designs, some pagodas were struck with a Moghul design. The term ‘Niṣār’, found on the obverse of the coin, indicates that it was struck as a presentation piece, often used for scattering amongst the people when crowds gathered for special occasions. Pridmore found references to these coins being used as ‘presents’ to local rulers.