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Madras Mint – Reformation – Gold, Two Pagodas 1808 to 1817

 

(Persian = do hun = Two hun):

(Tamil = 2 vara kun, Telugu = 2 varahani = 2 hun)

Seven tiered Gopuram of a temple, standing on stony ground. Seven or nine stars on each side. All this surrounded by a buckled garter. On the garter is the value in English:

TWO PAGODAS

and Persian.

Figure of Vishnu holding a sword in his left hand. Dotted and other symbols on each side and a lotus flower below. All surrounded by three circles of beads. All this within a ribbon, the ends separated by a star. On the ribbon is the value in Tamil and Telugu. All within a beaded border.

 

Official Weight (g)

5.94

Actual Weight (g)

5.89-5.93

Actual Diameter (mm)

20.1-21.6

Edge

Grained Right

Composition

Gold

Axis

↑↑

Mintage

1,063,912

 

Catalogue

Cat No.

Photo Link

Obv

Rev

Obverse

Reverse

Provenance

Comments

Rarity

Stars

Stops

Buckle

Gopuram

3 Circles

Stop

3.1

192c.

A

I

9/9

End

Oval

OD

Yes

Yes

RJ

R

3.2

192.

A

II

9/9

End

Oval

OD

Yes

No

Ste

 

R

3.3

193.

A

IV

9/9

End

Oval

OD

No

No

Stacks

Ref: BM

R

3.4

194.

B

I

9/9

End

Oval

O

Yes

Yes

Ste, Anantha Raghuraman

 

R

3.5

195.

B

II

9/9

End

Oval

O

Yes

No

Oswal

Ref: BM

R

3.6

195c.

B

IV

9/9

End

Oval

O

No

No

Spink, Noon

R

3.8

197.

C

III

9/9

End

Oval

G

No

Yes

Ste

 

R

3.7

196.

C

IV

9/9

End

Oval

G

No

No

Noon

R

3.9

196b.

D

I

9/9

End

Oval

GO

Yes

Yes

Bald

Ref: Baldwin (2007), sale 53, lot 2079

R

3.10

196c.

D

III

9/9

End

Oval

GO

No

Yes

Bald, SA

 

R

3.11

196d.

D

IV

9/9

End

Oval

GO

No

No

RJ

 

R

3.12

196e.

E

II

9/9

End

Oval

D

Yes

No

Bald

R

3.12C

196g.

E

IV

9/9

End

Oval

D

No

No

RJ

R

3.13

198.

F

II

9/9

End

Square

GO

Yes

No

 

Ref: BM

R

3.14

199.

F

IV

9/9

End

Square

GO

No

No

Busso Peus

Ref: BM. Dot group in Persian legend on obverse

R

3.15

201.

G

IV

9/9

End

Square

G

No

No

Ste

 

R

3.16

201c.

H

III

9/9

End

Square

O

No

Yes

 

R

3.17

201e.

H

IV

9/9

End

Square

O

No

No

Oswal

Dot group in Persian legend on obverse

R

3.18

202d.

I

II

9/9

C+E

Oval

GO

Yes

No

Tody, Noon

R

3.19

202a.

I

IV

9/9

C+E

Oval

GO

No

No

Bald

 

R

3.19C

202b.

I1

IV

9/9

C+E

Oval

G

No

No

SA (viaRJ)

 

R

3.20

202c.

J

II

9/9

C+E

Oval

OD

Yes

No

St James

R

3.21

202e.

K

II

9/9

C+E

Oval

O

Yes

No

Ponterio, Zeno

R

3.22

202g.

K

IV

9/9

C+E

Oval

O

No

No

Bald

R

3.22C

202i.

K1

IV

9/9

C+E

Oval

D

No

No

RJ

R

3.23

203.

L

IV

9/9

None

Oval

O

No

No

Her

R

3.24

204.

M

IV

7/7

None

Square

G

No

No

 

Ref: BM

RR

3.24C

204e.

N

II

7/7

None

Oval

O

Yes

No

Noon

RR

3.25

204c.

N

IV

7/7

None

Oval

O

No

No

Ponterio

RR

3.26

200.

O

IV

7/7

End

Square

GO

No

No

Ste, Busso-Peus

Group of dots in Persian legend on obverse

RR

3.26C

200c.

P

IV

7/7

End

Square

O

No

No

SG, Her, RJ

RR

 

Obverse Varieties

Number of stars

The number of stars on each side of the gopuram can vary.

Stops in Legend

There may be no stops, an end stop alone, or a centre stop plus an end stop in the English legend

Shape of Buckle

The buckle may be oval or square

Gopuram

The centreline of the gopuram may point between the letters G and O, between the letters O and D, or directly at the letter G, O or D.

 

 

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

Number of stars

9/9

9/9

9/9

9/9

9/9

9/9

9/9

9/9

Stops in Legend

End

End

End

End

End

End

End

End

Shape of Buckle

Oval

Oval

Oval

Oval

Oval

Square

Square

Square

Gopuram

OD

O

G

GO

D

GO

G

O

 

 

I

I1

J

K

K1

L

M

N

O

P

Number of stars

9/9

9/9

9/9

9/9

9/9

9/9

7/7

7/7

7/7

7/7

Stops in Legend

C+E

C+E

C+E

C+E

C+E

None

None

None

End

End

Shape of Buckle

Oval

Oval

Oval

Oval

Oval

Oval

Square

Oval

Square

Square

Gopuram

GO

G

OD

O

D

O

G

O

GO

O

 

Reverse Varieties

3 circles of beads

All three circles of beads are complete, or the stalk of the lotus flower or other symbols interrupt one or more of the circles.

Bead in Telugu legend

There may or may not be a bead in the Telugu legend.

 

 

I

II

III

IV

3 circles of beads

Yes

Yes

No

No

Bead in Telugu legend

Yes

No

Yes

No

 

Madras Mint – Reformation – Gold, Pagoda 1808 to 1817

 

(Persian = hun = hun)

(Tamil = vara kun  Telugu = varahani = hun)

Seven tiered Gopuram of a temple, standing on stony ground. Five stars on each side. All this surrounded by a buckled garter. On the garter is the value in English:

PAGODA

and Persian. All within a beaded border.

Figure of Vishnu holding a sword in his left hand. Dotted and other symbols on each side and a lotus flower below. All surrounded by one circle of beads. All this within a ribbon, the ends separated by a star. On the ribbon is the value in Tamil and Telugu separated by a bead. All within a beaded border.

 

Official Weight (g)

2.97

Actual Weight (g)

2.93-3.05

Actual Diameter (mm)

16.8-17.6

Edge

Grained Right

Axis

↑↑

Mintage

1,381,809

 

Catalogue

Cat No.

Photo Link

Obv

Rev

Obverse

Reverse

Provenance

Comments

Rarity

Buckle

Gopuram

Beads in Cross

Stop

Sword

3.27

205.

A

I

Oval

O

11/9

Yes

 

Ste

 

R

3.27C

205c.

A

Ia

Oval

O

11/9

Yes

LH & RH

Anantha Raghuraman

 

R

3.28

206.

A

III

Oval

O

13/11

Yes

 

Ste, Spink

Previously listed as reverse II with 13 dots left. A malformed crescent looks like two extra dots. See photos

RR

3.28C

206c.

A

V

Oval

O

9/11

?

 

World of Coins

 

RR

3.29

207.

B

I

Oval

OD

11/9

Yes

 

Ste, Noon

Ref: Puddester

S

3.30

208.

B

III

Oval

OD

11/11

Yes

 

 

Ref: Thompson

RR

3.32

209.

C

III

Oval

D

11/11

Yes

 

Ste

 

R

3.33

210.

D

I

Square

OD

11/9

Yes

 

Ste, Noon, RJ

Exists with and without a group of 3 diamonds in the obverse Persian legend, or a bead above Vishnu. See Photos

S

3.33B

210c.

D

III

Square

OD

11/11

Yes

 

RJ

 

R

3.34

211.

D

IV

Square

OD

11/9

No

 

Ste

Authenticity suspect on some specimens.

R

3.35

208c.

E

I

Square

D

11/9

Yes

 

Ste, Tody, Noon

Originally given obverse C. Now changed to obverse E.

S

3.36

213.

F

I

Square

O

11/9

Yes

 

Noble, ClassNG, Noon

 

S

3.36C

213c.

F

III

Square

O

11/11

Yes

 

Tody

 

S

3.37

214.

F

IV

Square

O

11/9

No

 

ClassNG

Ref: BM

RR

-

215.

-

-

-

-

-

-

 

Ste

Jeweller’s copy. Wt = 3.09g. Diam = 18.4-18.7mm

NR

 

Obverse Varieties

Buckle Shape

The buckle may be square or oval.

Gopuram

The centreline of the gopuram may point between the letters O and D, directly at the letter O, or directly at the letter D.

 

 

A

B

C

D

E

F

Buckle Shape

Oval

Oval

Oval

Square

Square

Square

Gopuram

O

OD

D

OD

D

O

 

Reverse Varieties

Stop in Legend

There is usually a stop between the Tamil and Telugu legends. On some coins this stop is not present.

Top Left Cross

To the left of Vishnu is an arrangement of dots topped by a cross shape, representing one of his wives. The number of dots that form this figure varies.

Top Right Cross

To the right of Vishnu is an arrangement of dots topped by a cross shape, representing one of his wives. The number of dots that form this figure varies.

Vishnu's Sword

The facing figure of Vishnu usually holds a sword in his left hand, but rarer examples exist with the sword in both hands.

 

 

I

Ia

III

IV

V

Stop in Legend

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

?

Top Left Cross

11

11

11

11

9

Top Right Cross

9

9

11

9

11

Vishnu’s Sword

LH

LH & RH

LH

LH

LH

 

Madras Mint – Reformation – Silver, Half Pagoda 1807 to 1808

 

(Persian = Nim hun phuli = half a flower, or star, pagoda)

(Tamil = Arai pu vara kun, Telugu = Ara pu varahani = half a flower, or star, pagoda)

Nine tiered Gopuram of a temple, standing on stony ground. Between eight and eighteen stars on each side. All this surrounded by a ribbon, the ends of which are separated by a star. On the ribbon is the value in English:

HALF PAGODA

and Persian.

Figure of Vishnu holding a sword in his left hand. Dotted and other symbols on each side and a lotus flower below. All surrounded by three, four or five circles of beads. Around this is the value in Tamil and Telugu. All within a beaded or toothed border.

 

Official Weight (g)

21.17

Actual Weight (g)

20.69-21.29

Actual Diameter (mm)

35.4-37.4

Composition

Silver

Edge

Grained Right

Axis

↑↑

Mintage

500,800

 

Catalogue

Cat No.

Photo Link

Obv

Rev

Obverse

Reverse

Provenance

Comments

Rarity

Stars

Persian

Circles of Beads

Crosses

Tamil

Telugu

3.38

224.

A

I

18

Inward

5

15/14

Left

Inward

Right

Outward

Ste, RJ

Ref: BM

R

3.39

225.

A

VIII

18

Inward

5

13/14

Left

Outward

Right

Outward

 

Ref: BM..

RR

3.40

223.

B

IX

17+1+17

Outward

4

16/11

Left

Inward

Right

Outward

Ste

 

RR

3.41

222.

C

VIII

16+17

Inward

5

13/14

Left

Outward

Right

Outward

Ste, Noon

Obverse: centre stop only, no end stop

RR

3.42

222c.

D

III

16

Inward

5

17/16

Left

Inward

Right

Inward

RJ

ANS 1917.216.4753.

RR

3.43

221.

E

IV

15

Inward

5

16/14

Left

Inward

Right

Inward

Ste, Howard Simmons, Bombay, Noon

This coin was previously recorded incorrectly as having Rev V.

R

3.44

221c.

E

VI

15

Inward

5

15/13

Left

Inward

Right

Inward

Bald

RR

3.45

220.

F

VII

14

Inward

5

15/14

Right

Inward

Left

Inward

Ste, Noon

 

R

3.46

220c.

G

II

14

Outward

5

15/13

Left

Inward

Right

Outward

Bald, Vikram Coins

See photos for a specimen that has turned in the die

RR

3.47

218c.

G

IX

14

Outward

4

16/11

Left

Inward

Right

Outward

Ste

RR

3.48

219.

G

X

14

Outward

4

14/16

Left

Inward

Right

Outward

Bald, RJ

RR

3.49

218.

H

IX

13

Outward

4

16/11

Left

Inward

Right

Outward

ANS, Noon

RR

3.50

217.

I

IV

12

Inward

5

16/14

Left

Inward

Right

Inward

Ste, Noon, Her

See photos for an example of an 8 reales used as the blank

RR

3.51

216.

J

XI

8

Outward

3

16/13

Left

Inward

Right

Outward

Glen, Bald

Pattern. 31mm. Ref: Pr. sale part 2, Oct 1982, lot 370. Then Baldwin (2000), Sale 22 (Wheeler), lot 20. Axis: ↑↑

Unique?

 

Obverse Varieties

There is usually a centre and end stop in the English legend. However, on one variety (C) there is only a centre stop. Since this only occurs on this one obverse variety, and the number of stars is a more obvious distinguishing feature, the stops in the legend are not included as part of the variety identifiers.

 

Number of stars

The number of stars on each side of the gopuram can vary.

Persian Legend

The top of the Persian legend may face inward or outward.

 

 

A

B

C

D

E

Number of stars

18

17+1+17

16+17

16

15

Persian Legend

Inward

Outward

Inward

Inward

Inward

 

 

F

G

H

I

J

Number of stars

14

14

13

12

8

Persian Legend

Inward

Outward

Outward

Inward

Outward

 

Reverse Varieties

Circles of Beads

There may be 3, 4 or 5 circles of beads.

Top Left Cross

To the left of Vishnu is an arrangement of dots topped by a cross shape, representing one of his wives. The number of dots that form this figure varies.

Top Right Cross

To the right of Vishnu is an arrangement of dots topped by a cross shape, representing one of his wives. The number of dots that form this figure varies.

Tamil Legend

The Tamil legend may be at left or right and may face inward or outward.

Telugu Legend

The Telugu legend may be at left or right and may face inward or outward.

 

 

I

II

III

IV

VI

Circles of Beads

5

5

5

5

5

Top Left Cross

15

15

17

16

15

Top Right Cross

14

13

16

14

13

Tamil Legend

Left Inward

Left Inward

Left Inward

Left Inward

Left Inward

Telugu Legend

Right Outward

Right Outward

Right Inward

Right Inward

Right Inward

 

 

VII

VIII

IX

X

XI

Circles of Beads

5

5

4

4

3

Top Left Cross

15

13

16

14

16

Top Right Cross

14

14

11

16

13

Tamil Legend

Right Inward

Left Outward

Left Inward

Left Inward

Left Inward

Telugu Legend

Left Inward

Right Outward

Right Outward

Right Outward

Right Outward

Reverse V was originally added by mistake. The coin believed to have reverse V with 13 dots at the right, actually had reverse IV. No reverse V coins are known at present.

Reverses IX and XI have a plain circle surrounding the circles of beads while the other reverses do not. See Rev photos

 

Madras 17 Counterfeit 1807 Half Pagoda A I Obv   Madras 18 Counterfeit 1807 Half Pagoda A I Rev

Probable modern counterfeit of A/II sold on eBay originating from Russia

 

Madras Mint – Reformation – Silver, Quarter Pagoda 1807 to 1808

 

(Persian = Pau hun Phuli = Quarter of a flower, or star, pagoda)

(Tamil = Kal vara kun, Telugu = Kai varahani = quarter pagoda)

NB. Bottom photo has one letter missing from the Telugu legend.

Seven tiered Gopuram of a temple, standing on stony ground. Thirteen, eleven or nine stars on each side. All this surrounded by a ribbon, the ends of which are separated by a star. On the ribbon is the value in English:

QUARTER PAGODA

and Persian. All within a beaded or toothed border.

Figure of Vishnu holding a sword in his left hand. Dotted and other symbols on each side and a lotus flower below. All surrounded by three or four circles of beads. Around this is the value in Tamil and Telugu. All within a beaded border.

 

Official Weight (g)

10.58

Actual Weight (g)

10.36-10.74

Actual Diameter (mm)

25.8-27.2

Composition

Silver

Edge

Grained Right

Axis

↑↑

Mintage

1,772,896

 

Catalogue

Cat No.

Photo Link

Obv

Rev

Obverse

Reverse

Provenance

Comments

Rarity

Stars

Persian

Letters

Circles

Stops

Beads

Tamil

Telugu

3.52

233.

A

I

13+1+13

Outward

AGO

4

Quintets

16

8

Outward

SA, RJ, Noon

RR

3.53

232.

B

II

11+1+11

Outward

AGO

4

Single

16

8

Outward Missing

Ste, RJ

One letter missing from Telugu legend. Ref: SNC Sept 1976 pp. 319. SNC April 1980 pp. 147

RR

3.54

232c.

B

III

11+1+11

Outward

AGO

3

Single

14

8

Outward

RJ, Marudhar, HC, Noon

 

RR

3.55

226.

C

IV

9+9

Inward

AGO

3

Quintets

15

8

Inward

Ste, Noon

 

R

3.56

227.

C

VI

9+9

Inward

AGO

3

4/5

15

8

Inward

Noon

RR

3.56C

227e.

C1

IV

9+9

Inward

PAGO

3

Quintets

15

8

Inward

Noble, RJ

RR

3.57

228.

D

IV

9+9

Inward

GOD

3

Quintets

15

8

Inward

Ste, Noon

 

R

3.58

229.

D

V

9+9

Inward

GOD

3

Quintets

15

9

Inward

RJ

Ref: Kaslove

R

3.58C

227c.

D

VII

9+9

Inward

GOD?

3

Quintets

13

8

Inward

 

Ref: BM 1935.0401.12294

RR

3.59

230.

E

IV

9+9

Inward

AGOD

3

Quintets

15

8

Inward

Ste, Noon

 

R

3.60

231.

E

V

9+9

Inward

AGOD

3

Quintets

15

9

Inward

Ste

Ref: Wiggins

R

 

Obverse Varieties

Number of stars

The number of stars on each side of the gopuram can vary.

Persian Legend

The top of the Persian legend may face inwards or outwards.

Letters under Gopuram

The base of the gopuram may be above the letters AGO, PAGO, AGOD or GOD of PAGODA. An easy way to distinguish these varieties is that the central line of the gopuram points straight to the G in the AGO and PAGO varieties, straight to the O on the GOD variety and between the G & O (or at least to one side of the O) in the AGOD variety.

 

 

A

B

C

C1

D

E

Number of stars

13+1+13

11+1+11

9+9

9+9

9+9

9+9

Persian Legend

Outward

Outward

Inward

Inward

Inward

Inward

Letters under Gopuram

AGO

AGO

AGO

PAGO

GOD

AGOD

 

Reverse Varieties

Circles of Beads

There may be three or four circles of beads surrounding Vishnu.

Stops in legend

The Tamil and Telugu legends may be separated by two quintets of dots arranged roughly in the shape of a diamond, a quartet of dots above Vishnu plus a quintet below, or by two single dots.

Beads in Cross to left of Vishnu

The number of beads to the left of Vishnu varies.

Letters in Tamil Legend

There can be different numbers of letters in the Tamil legend at left.

Telugu Legend

The top of the Telugu legend at right may be oriented outward or inward and the bottom letter may be missing

 

 

I

II

III

IV

V

VI

VII

Circles of Beads

4

4

3

3

3

3

3

Stops in legend

Quintets

Single

Single

Quintets

Quintets

Quartet + Quintet

Quintets

Beads in Cross to left of Vishnu

16

16

14

15

15

15

13

Letters in Tamil Legend

8

8

8

8

9

8

8

Telugu Legend

Outward

Outward

Letter missing

Outward

Inward

Inward

Inward

?

 

Madras Mint – Reformation – Silver, Five Fanams 1807 to 1808

 

(Persian = Panj falam = Five fanams)

(Tamil = Anacu panam, Telugu = Aedu rukalu = Five fanams)

The value in Persian within a plain circle and surrounded by the value in English:

FIVE FANAMS

All within a plain border.

The value in Telugu in two lines within a plain circle. Around this is the value in Tamil. All within a plain border.

 

Official Weight (g)

4.65

Actual Weight (g)

4.42-4.78

Actual Diameter (mm)

16.3-17.8

Composition

Silver

Edge

Grained Right

Axis

Not Fixed

Mintage

988,423

 

Catalogue

Cat No.

Photo Link

Obv

Rev

Obverse

Reverse

Provenance

Comments

Rarity

Legend

Stops

F & A

V & F

S

Tamil Letter

Stops

3.61

234.

A

I

 

4+1

 

 

 

 

Yes

Ste, HC, Oswal

 

R

3.62

235.

B

I

 

1+4

 

 

 

 

Yes

Ste, HC, Bombay

 

R

3.63

235c.

B

II

 

1+4

 

 

 

 

No

HC

R

3.64

236.

B

III

 

1+4

 

 

 

Open

No

Ste

 

RR

3.65

237.

B

IV

 

1+4

 

 

 

Retrograde

Yes

HC, Noon

R

3.65A

237c.

B

V

 

1+4

 

 

 

Retrograde

No

Bombay

RR

3.65C

237e.

B1

I

FANAMS

1+4

 

 

 

Yes

Ste, HC

RR

3.66

238.

C

II

FANAMS

4+4

 

 

 

 

No

Ste

 

RR

3.67

239.

D

I

 

1+4

 

 

Retrograde

 

Yes

Ste, HC, RJ

S of FANAMS, retrograde. Some coins have no bar on the first A in FANAMS

R

3.67C

239c.

D1

I

FANAMS

1+4

 

 

Retrograde

 

Yes

HC

S of FANAMS, retrograde. Some coins have no bar on the first A in FANAMS

RR

3.68

240.

E

I

 

1+4

 

Wrong

 

 

Yes

Zeno, HC

Ref: Thompson

RR

3.69

241.

F

I

 

1+4

Wrong

 

 

 

Yes

Ste, HC, Noon

 

R

 

Obverse Varieties

Outer Legend

The outer legend may begin at the top left with FIVE at the top or bottom right with FANAMS at the top

Stops in Legend

The stops in the English legend may be composed of single dots (1), or a quartet of dots (4) arranged roughly in the shape of a diamond. These can be mixed on a single coin (e.g. 4+1 means quartet after FIVE and single after FANAMS, 1+4 means single after FIVE and quartet after FANAMS)

F & A in FANAMS

The first two letters of FANAMS may be mal-formed with the F struck over E and a missing or weak cross-bar on the first A

V in FIVE & F in FANAMS

V in FIVE represented by an upside-down A. F in FANAMS represented by an E.

S in FANAMS

The S in the word FANAMS may be retrograde.

 

 

A

B

B1

C

D

D1

E

F

Outer Legend

FIVE

FIVE

FANAMS

FANAMS

FIVE

FANAMS

FIVE

FIVE

Stops in Legend

4+1

1+4

1+4

4+4

1+4

1+4

1+4

1+4

F & A in FANAMS

OK

OK

OK

OK

OK

OK

OK

Mal-formed

V in FIVE & F in FANAMS

OK

OK

OK

OK

OK

OK

Incorrect

OK

S in FANAMS

OK

OK

OK

OK

Retrograde

Retrograde

OK

OK

 

Reverse Varieties

Last Tamil Letter

The last letter in the Tamil legend may be the normal closed type, or open. This is probably a die or striking error rather than a variety. On one variety the letter is retrograde.

Stops in Tamil legend

There may or may not be stops in the Tamil legend.

 

 

I

II

III

IV

V

Last Tamil Letter

Closed

Closed

Open

Retrograde

Retrograde

Stops in Tamil legend

Yes

No

No

Yes

No

 

A group of coins

Description automatically generated with medium confidence

Described as a mint specimen set (3.65, 3.78, 3.87C)

 

Madras Mint – Reformation – Silver, Two Fanams 1807 to 1808

 

(Persian = Do falam = Double fanam)

(Tamil = Irantu panam, Telugu = Renddu rukalu = Two fanams)

The value in Persian with or without a plain circle around. This is surrounded by the value in English:

DOUBLE FANAM

All within a plain border.

The value in Telugu in two lines with or without a plain circle around. Around this is the value in Tamil. All within a plain border.

 

Official Weight (g)

1.85

Actual Weight (g)

1.70-1.87

Actual Diameter (mm)

12.1-13.2

Composition

Silver

Edge

Plain

Axis

Not fixed

Mintage

1,511,087

 

Catalogue

Cat No.

Photo Link

Obv

Rev

Obverse

Reverse

Provenance

Comments

Rarity

Circle

Stops

Spelling

Circle

Legend U/S down

Stops

3.70

242.

A

III

Yes

1+1

 

Yes

No

0

Noon

RR

3.71

243.

B

I

Yes

1+4

 

Yes

Yes

4+4

Ste, Noon

 

RR

3.72

244.

B

II

Yes

1+4

 

Yes

No

4+4

Ste, HC

R

3.73

245.

B

III

Yes

1+4

 

Yes

No

0

Ste, RJ, Noon

Some examples have no bar on the first A and a weak bar on the second A in FANAM

R

3.74

246.

B

IV

Yes

1+4

 

Yes

No

1+1

Ste

 

RR

3.74A

246c.

B

IVa

Yes

1+4

 

Yes

No

4+1

DNW/RJ

ANS 1988.84.184

RR

3.75

247.

B

V

Yes

1+4

 

No

No

1+4

Ste, RJ, Tody

 

R

3.75C

247B.

B

Va

Yes

1+4

 

No

No

4+1

Tody, Noon

 

RR

3.76

247C.

B

VIII

Yes

1+4

 

No

No

4+1

Ref: Todywalla

RR

3.77

249.

C

III

Yes

1+4

ᴦᴧNM

Yes

No

0

Ste

 

RR

3.78

250.

D

III

Yes

1+4

ANAM

Yes

No

0

Ste, Noon

 

RR

3.78A

250c.

D

IV

Yes

1+4

ANAM

Yes

No

1+1

BM

RR

3.79

251.

E

VI

Yes

0

 

No

No

1+1

Ste, Weir, Noon

R

3.79C

257e.

E1

IV

Yes

1+1

F, N & M wrong

Yes

No

1_1

RJ

 

RR

3.80

252.

F

?

No

0+1

 

-

-

-

 

Recorded from Pridmore. Probably Rev I-Iva (centre circle)

RR

3.81

253.

G

II

No

1+1

 

Yes

No

4+4

Ste, Noon

 

R

3.82

254.

H

II

No

1+4

 

Yes

No

4+4

Ste, Noon

S

3.83

255.

H

V

No

1+4

 

No

No

1+4

Ste, Noon

Some examples have small obverse letters. See photos

S

3.85

256.

H

VI

No

1+4

 

No

No

1+1

Zeno

RR

3.84

255c.

H

VII

No

1+4

 

No

Muddled

0

Tody

RR

3.86

257.

I

V

No

B.L

 

No

No

1+4

 

Ref: Kaslove. DOUB.LE

RR

3.86A

257c.

J

III

No

0

 

Yes

No

0

RJ

RR

3.86C

257d.

J

VII

No

0

 

No

Muddled

0

RJ

RR

 

Obverse Varieties

Centre Circle

There may or may not be a plain circle surrounding the Persian legend.

Stops in Legend

The stops in the English legend may be composed of single dots (1), or a quartet of dots (4) arranged roughly in the shape of a diamond. (E.g. 1+1 means single after DOUBLE and single after FANAM, 1+4 means single after DOUBLE and quartet after FANAM). Alternatively, there may be no stops at all (0).

F & A's of FANAM

The second bar of F of FANAM is missing. A's of FANAM are upside-down V's.

Second bar of F

The second bar of the F is missing

N & M of FANAM

N retrograde and M upside-down

 

 

A

B

C

D

E

E1

F

G

H

I

J

Centre Circle

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

No

No

No

No

Stops in Legend

1+1

1+4

1+4

1+4

0+0

4+4

0+1

1+1

1+4

B.L

0+0

F & A's of FANAM

OK

OK

Incorrect

 

OK

 

OK

OK

OK

OK

OK

Second bar of F

OK

OK

 

Missing

OK

 

OK

OK

OK

OK

OK

N & M of FANAM

OK

OK

OK

OK

OK

Incorrect

OK

OK

OK

OK

OK

 

Reverse Varieties

Centre Circle

The Telugu legend may or may not be surrounded by a plain circle.

Legend U/S Down

The Telugu legend may or may not be upside-down relative to the Tamil legend.

Stops in Legend

The stops in the Tamil legend may be composed of single dots (1), or a quartet of dots (4) arranged roughly in the shape of a diamond. Alternatively there may be no stops at all (0).

 

 

I

II

III

IV

IVa

V

Va

VI

VII

VIII

Centre Circle

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

No

No

No

No

Legend U/S Down

Yes

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

Muddled

No

Stops in Legend

4+4

4+4

0+0

1+1

4+1

1+4

4+1

1+1

0+0

4+1

 

Madras Mint – Reformation – Silver, Fanam 1807 to 1808

 

(Tamil = panam, Telugu = ruka = fanam)

A five- or six-pointed star with or without a plain circle around. Crossed branches below. The value in English above.

FANAM

All within a plain border.

A five- or six-pointed star or five- or six-petal flower within a plain circle. This is surrounded by the value in Tamil and Telugu. All within a plain rim.

 

Official Weight (g)

0.92

Actual Weight (g)

0.73-0.95

Actual Diameter (mm)

9.5-10.6

Composition

Silver

Edge

Plain

Axis

Not Fixed

Mintage

386,352

 

Catalogue

Cat No.

Photo Link

Obv

Rev

Obverse

Reverse

Provenance

Comments

Rarity

Circle

Branches

Star

Spelling

Circle

Stops

Device

3.87

258.

A

I

Yes

Yes

5 pts

Yes

1+1

Star

RJ

RR

3.87C

258c.

A

III

Yes

Yes

5 pts

 

Yes

4+4

Star

Noon, HC

RR

3.88

259.

B

III

Yes

No

6 pts Square ends

 

Yes

4+4

Star

Vinitkumar Pujara, HC

 

RR

3.88C

260c.

B

VI

Yes

No

6 pts Square ends

 

No

4+1

Star

RJ

 

RR

3.89

260.

C

I

No

Yes

5 pts

 

Yes

1+1

Star

Ste, HC, Tody, Noon

The stars on the reverse come in different shapes. See photos.

S

3.90

261.

C

II

No

Yes

5 pts

 

Yes

1+1

Flower

Ste, HC

The flowers on the reverse come in different shapes. See photos.

R

3.91

261c.

C

III

No

Yes

5 pts

 

Yes

4+4

Star

Bald

RR

3.92

261e.

C

VI

No

Yes

5 pts

 

No

4+1

Star

Ste, HC

R

3.93

262.

D

III

No

No

6 pts

 

Yes

4+4

Star

Ste, RJ

 

R

3.94

262c.

D

V

No

No

6 pts

 

Yes

4+4

Star 6 pts

Murali Thantry, SA

RR

3.95

263.

E

I

No

Yes

5 pts

bANAM

Yes

1+1

Star

Ste, Tody

Very low silver content on one example (by XRF) see photos. May be contemporary counterfeit.

RR

3.96

264.

F

IV

No

Yes

Absent

 

Yes

4+4

Flower

Ste

Ref: Wiggins

RR

3.97

264c.

G

I

No

Yes

5 pts

EANAW

Yes

1+1

Star

HC

RR

3.97C

264d.

H

I

No

Yes

5 pts

bANAM (retro N)

Yes

1+1

Star

RJ

Thanks to Hemanth Chopra who noticed the retro N

RR

3.97E

264e.

J

I

No

Yes with stops

5 pts

 

Yes

1+1

Star

HC, RJ

Obverse stops 1+1 linked to branches

RR

 

Obverse Varieties

Centre Circle

There may or may not be a plain circle surrounding the star.

Branches

There may or may not be crossed branches below the star. Some have berries on the end, although there is some debate about whether these are berries or stops in the legend.

Star

The central star may have 5 or 6 points or may be absent. The shape of the star varies

Spelling of FANAM

FANAM may be mis-spelt.

 

 

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

J

Centre Circle

Yes

Yes

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

Branches

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes with stops

Star

5 Points

6 Points with square ends.

5 Points

6 Points

5 points

Absent

5 points

5 points

5 Points

Spelling of FANAM

OK

OK

OK

OK

bANAM

OK

EANAW

bANAM (retroN)

OK

 

Reverse Varieties

Centre Circle

There may or may not be a circle around the star.

Stops in Legend

The stops in the legend may be composed of single dots (1), two quartets of dots (4) each arranged roughly in the shape of a diamond, or a quartet plus a single dot.

Central Device

There is a 5- or 6-point star or 5 or 6 petal flower in the centre of the reverse design. The shapes of the star and flower vary. Sometimes the centre device is intermediate between star and flower, but if the rays/petals do not touch at the centre, the device is considered to be a flower.

 

 

I

II

III

IV

V

VI

Centre Circle

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Stops in Legend

1+1

1+1

4+4

4+4

4+4

4+1

Central Device

Star, 5 points

Flower, 5 petals

Star, 5 points

Flower, 6 petals

Star, 6 points

Star, 5 points

 

Madras Mint – Reformation – Silver, Half Pagoda 1808 to 1812

Several coins have been observed with obverses F and Q with an identical reverse X die. This obviously provides a die-link between obverses F and Q (information from H. Kaslove). Other die links exist such as obverses G and O with an identical reverse IV die, and obverses E, M1 and O with a reverse VI die. If enough examples are collected, there may be an opportunity in the future to undertake a more serious study of die-linking. Hopefully, this catalogue is providing a starting point.

Also there is an example of this type (1808-1812) being overstruck on the first type (1807-1808) (ref: Kaslove). See photo

 

Madras 89 1808 Half Pagoda E VIII Obv

(Persian = nim hun phuli = half a flower, or star, pagoda)

Madras 90 1808 Half Pagoda E VII IRev

(Tamil = Arai pu vara kun. Telugu = Ara pu varahani = half a flower, or star, pagoda)

Nine tiered Gopuram of a temple, standing on stony ground. Nine stars on each side. All this surrounded by a buckled garter. On the garter is the value in English:

HALF PAGODA

and Persian. All within a beaded border.

Figure of Vishnu holding a sword in his left hand. Dotted and other symbols on each side and a lotus flower below. All surrounded by three circles of beads. All this within a ribbon, the ends of which are separated by a star. On the ribbon is the value in Tamil and Telugu. All within a beaded border.

 

Official Weight (g)

21.17

Actual Weight (g)

20.81-21.43

Actual Diameter (mm)

34.9-38.3

Composition

Silver

Edge

Grained Right

Axis

↑↑

Mintage

1,999,601

 

Catalogue

Cat No.

Photo Link

Obv

Rev

Obverse

Reverse

Prov’nce

Comments

Rarity

Stars

Stops

Gopuram

Buckle

Shading

Spelling

Circles

Crosses

Stop

Beads

Below

Telugu

Letter

Tails

Sword

3.98A

265e.

A

II

9+9

End

O/D

Oval

No

 

3

14/12

Yes

0

 

 

Oswal

 

R

3.98

265c.

A

VIII

9+9

End

O/D

Oval

No

 

3

16/14

Yes

2

 

 

Noon

 

R

3.99

265.

A

IX

9+9

End

O/D

Oval

No

 

3

16/14

Yes

2

 

4

 

Ste, Both reverse crosses re-engraved

 

RR

3.101

265g.

A

XII

9+9

End

O/D

Oval

No

 

3

16/14

No

2

 

 

Ste, Coins Art

 

R

3.100

266.

A

XIII

9+9

End

O/D

Oval

No

 

3

14/16

Yes

2

 

 

 

Ste, Noon

 

R

3.102

267a.

C

II

9+9

End

G/O

Oval

No

 

3

14/12

Yes

0

 

 

 

 

Ref: Kaslove

R

3.104

268a.

C

VII

9+9

End

G/O

Oval

No

 

3

16/14

Yes

0

 

 

 

RJ

R

3.105

269.

C

VIII

9+9

End

G/O

Oval

No

 

3

16/14

Yes

2

 

 

 

Bald, Noon

Ref: BM.

R

3.105C

269c

C

XII

9+9

End

G/O

Oval

No

 

3

16/14

No

2

 

 

 

DNW

 

R

3.106

270.

D

VII

9+9

End

G/O

Square

Yes

 

3

16/14

Yes

0

 

 

 

Ste

 

R

3.106C

270c.

E

II

9+9

End

O

Oval

No

 

3

14/12

Yes

0

 

 

 

eBay

 

R

3.106E

270e.

E

VI

9+9

End

O

Oval

No

 

3

16/14

Yes

2 above

 

 

 

RJ

 

R

3.107

271.

E

VII

9+9

End

O

Oval

No

 

3

16/14

Yes

0

 

 

 

Ste

Ref: Wiggins

R

3.108

272.

E

VIII

9+9

End

O

Oval

No

 

3

16/14

Yes

2

 

 

 

Ste, HC, Sov, Noon

 

R

3.109

272b.

E

VIII

9+9

End

OD

Oval

No

 

3

16/14

Yes

2

 

 

 

Her, Goldberg

O over D. See photos. Ref: ANS 1917.216.4756

RR

3.110

272b3.

E

IX

9+9

End

O

Oval

No

 

3

16/14

Yes

2

 

4

 

RJ

Right reverse re-engraved

RR

3.114

274.

E

X

9+9

End

O

Oval

No

 

3

16/14

No

0

Upside-down

 

 

Stacks, Noon

See photos for dots on obv.

RR

3.113

273.

E

XI

9+9

End

O

Oval

No

 

3

16/14

No

1

 

 

 

Her

Ref: Sotheby (1985) Brand, lot 142.

R

3.111

272c.

E

XII

9+9

End

O

Oval

No

 

3

16/14

No

2

 

 

 

Ste, Her

 

R

3.114C

274b.

E

XIIa

9+9

End

O

Oval

No

 

3

16/14

No

2

 

None

SA, Bald

No Sword. Looks like 3 beads below Vishnu but the lowest is part of the inner circle.

RRR

3.115

274c.

G

II

9+9

End

O

Oval

Yes

 

3

14/12

Yes

0

 

 

HC

R

3.115A

274a.

G

III

9+9

End

O

Oval

Yes

 

3

14/14

Yes

0

 

 

Her

R

3.116

275.

G

IV

9+9

End

O

Oval

Yes

 

3

11/13

Yes

0

 

 

 

Ste

No bead above Vishnu

R

3.117

275c.

G

VII

9+9

End

O

Oval

Yes

 

3

16/14

Yes

0

 

 

 

Ste

R

3.118

275e.

H

III

9+9

End

G

Oval

No

 

3

14/14

Yes

0

 

 

 

HC

R

3.119

276.

H

XI

9+9

End

G

Oval

No

 

3

16/14

No

1

 

 

 

Ste, Her

R

3.120

277.

I

VIII

9+9

End

D

Oval

No

 

3

16/14

Yes

2

 

 

 

 

Ref: BM

R

3.121

277c.

I

XI

9+9

End

D

Oval

No

 

3

16/14

No

1

 

 

 

Bald, Noon, SA

R

3.122

277d.

J

II

9+9

C+E

G/O

Oval

No

 

3

14/12

Yes

0

 

 

 

HC. Marudhar

Trace of a second sword in right hand on one

R

3.123

277e.

J

VI

9+9

C+E

G/O

Oval

No

 

3

16/14

Yes

2 above

 

 

 

 

Ref: Kaslove

R

3.123A

277g.

J

VII

9+9

C+E

G/O

Oval

No

 

3

16/14

Yes

0

 

 

 

Her

R

3.124

278.

J

VIII

9+9

C+E

G/O

Oval

No

 

3

16/14

Yes

2

 

 

 

Ste, Noon

R

3.125

279.

J

XII

9+9

C+E

G/O

Oval

No

 

3

16/14

No

2

 

 

 

 

Ref: Withers

R

3.126

280.

K

II

9+9

C+E

G/O

Oval

Yes

 

3

14/12

Yes

0

 

eBay, Noon

R

3.126C

280c.

K

VIII

9+9

C+E

G/O

Oval

Yes

 

3

16/14

Yes

2

 

Noon

R

3.127

281.

L

II

9+9

C+E

G

Oval

No

 

3

14/12

Yes

0

 

 

 

Ste

 

R

3.127C

281b.

L

IIIa

9+9

C+E

G

Oval

No

 

3

13/11

Yes

0

 

 

 

RJ

 

R

3.128

281c.

L

V

9+9

C+E

G

Oval

No

 

3

15/12

Yes

0

 

 

 

Ste

R

3.129

282.

L

VII

9+9

C+E

G

Oval

No

 

3

16/14

Yes

0

 

 

 

Ste

 

R

3.130

283.

L

VIII

9+9

C+E

G

Oval

No

 

3

16/14

Yes

2

 

 

 

Ste

Kaslove has one without a centre stop (on rev?)

R

3.131

284.

L

XI

9+9

C+E

G

Oval

No

 

3

16/14

No

1

 

 

 

Ste

 

R

3.131C

284b.

L1

II

9+9

C+E

G

Oval

Yes

 

3

14/12

Yes

0

 

 

 

SA

 

R

3.132

284b3.

M

II

9+9

C+E

O

Oval

No

 

3

14/12

Yes

0

 

 

 

Her

 

R

3.133

284c.

M

IV

9+9

C+E

O

Oval

No

 

3

11/13

Yes

0

 

 

 

 

Reverse certainly has 13/11 beads but not certain it is IV Ref: Kaslove

R

3.134

285.

M

VII

9+9

C+E

O

Oval

No

 

3

16/14

Yes

0

 

 

 

Ste, Oswal

 

R

3.135

286.

M

VIII

9+9

C+E

O

Oval

No

 

3

16/14

Yes

2

 

 

 

Ste, RJ

 

R

3.136

287.

M

XII

9+9

C+E

O

Oval

No

 

3

16/14

No

2

 

 

 

Ste

 

R

3.136C

287c.

M

XIIc

9+9

C+E

O

Oval

No

 

3

16/15

Yes

1

 

 

 

RJ

R

3.136D

287d.

M1

II

9+9

C+E

O

Oval

Yes

 

3

14/12

Yes

0

 

 

 

Noon, Her

R

3.136E

287e.

M1

VI

9+9

C+E

O

Oval

Yes

 

3

16/14

Yes

2 above

 

 

 

RJ

Shading in left side of buckle

R

3.136G

287g.

M2

VIII

9+9

C+E

OD

Oval

No

 

3

16/14

Yes

2

 

 

 

RJ

R

3.137

288.

N

II

9+9

L&F+E

O

Oval

No

 

3

14/12

Yes

0

 

 

 

Bald

R

3.138

288c.

O

IV

9+9

None

O

Oval

No

 

3

11/13

Yes

0

 

 

 

RJ

No bead above Vishnu

R

3.139

289.

O

VI

9+9

None

O

Oval

No

 

3

16/14

Yes

2 above

 

 

 

Ste, Noon

 

R

3.139C

289b.

O

VIII

9+9

None

O

Oval

No

 

3

16/14

Yes

2

 

 

 

RJ

 

R

3.140

289c.

O

XI

9+9

None

O

Oval

No

 

3

16/14

No

1

 

 

 

RJ

R

3.141

289a.

P

VI

9+9

None

G

Oval

No

 

3

16/14

Yes

2 above

 

 

 

 

Ref: Kaslove

R

3.142

290.

P

IX

9+9

None

G

Oval

No

 

3

16/14

Yes

0

 

 

 

Ste

 

R

3.143

291.

P

VIII

9+9

None

G

Oval

No

 

3

16/14

Yes

2

 

 

 

 

Ref: Kaslove

R

3.143C

291e.

Q

IIa

9+9

None

G

Oval

No

 

3

16/14

Yes

2

 

4

 

Her

Left cross re-engraved

RR

3.143E

291g.

Q

IIIa

9+9

None

G

Oval

No

 

3

13/11

Yes

0

 

 

 

Ponterio

RR

3.144

292.

Q

X

9+9

None

G/O

Oval

No

 

3

16/14

No

0

Upside-down

 

 

Ste, RJ, Noon

R

3.145

293.

R

VIII

9+9

None

D

Oval

No

PGODA

3

16/14

Yes

2

 

 

 

Ste, HC, Tody

 

RRR

3.146

294.

S

I

22+24

C+E

D

Square

No

 

5

14/11

Yes

1

 

 

 

Noble, SNC, Noon. Anantha Raghuraman

5 circles of beads. SNC, Sep., 1976. Also BM.

RRR

Rarity of the minor varieties is unknown. Some may be very rare.

 

Obverse Varieties

Number of stars

There are usually 9 stars on each side of the gopuram. A rare variety has 22+24 stars.

Stops in Legend

The English legend may contain no stops, an end stop alone, or a centre stop between the two words plus an end stop (C+E). In one example the centre stop is between the L & F of HALF (L&F+E).

Gopuram

The centre line of the gopuram may point directly at the letter G, between the letters G and O, directly at the letter O, or between the letters O and D. This can best be ascertained by holding a ruler up the central spine of the gopuram. If the ruler touches a letter or the edge of a letter, then the gopuram is considered to point to that letter.

Buckle Shape

The buckle may be oval or square. Some square buckles have rounded corners

Shading in buckle

The shading may or may not extend into the buckle.

Spelling of PAGODA

PAGODA spelt PGODA

 

 

A

C

D

E

G

H

I

Number of stars

9+9

9+9

9+9

9+9

9+9

9+9

9+9

Stops in Legend

End

End

End

End

End

End

End

Gopuram

O/D

G/O

G/O

O

O

G

D

Buckle Shape

Oval

Oval

Square

Oval

Oval

Oval

Oval

Shading in buckle

No

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

No

Spelling of PAGODA

OK

OK

OK

OK

OK

OK

OK

 

 

J

K

L

L1

M

M1

M2

Number of stars

9+9

9+9

9+9

9+9

9+9

9+9

9+9

Stops in Legend

C+E

C+E

C+E

C+E

C+E

C+E

C+E

Gopuram

G/O

G/O

G

G

O

O

OD

Buckle Shape

Oval

Oval

Oval

Oval

Oval

Oval

Oval

Shading in buckle

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Spelling of PAGODA

OK

OK

OK

OK

OK

OK

OK

 

 

N

O

P

Q

R

S

Number of stars

9+9

9+9

9+9

9+9

9+9

22+24

Stops in Legend

L&F+E

None

None

None

None

C+E

Gopuram

O

O

G

G/O

D

D

Buckle Shape

Oval

Oval

Oval

Oval

Oval

Square

Shading in buckle

No

No

No

No

No

No

Spelling of PAGODA

OK

OK

OK

OK

PGODA

OK

Because it is often difficult to determine the size of the obverse letters, this parameter has been eliminated and obverses A/b and E/F combined

 

Reverse Varieties

Circles of Beads

There are usually three circles of beads. On rare varieties there may be 5 circles.

Top Left Cross

To the left of Vishnu is an arrangement of dots topped by a cross shape, representing one of his wives. The number of dots that form this figure varies.

Top Right Cross

To the right of Vishnu is an arrangement of dots topped by a cross shape, representing one of his wives. The number of dots that form this figure varies.

Stop in Legend

There may or may not be a stop between the Tamil and Telugu legends.

Beads below Vishnu

There are varying numbers of beads below Vishnu. These beads are usually within the stalk, but sometimes they may be above the stalk. Beads from the inner circle often extend into the stalk. Only those beads that are definitely not part of the circles of beads count as beads below Vishnu.

Rotation of first letter of Telugu Legend

The first letter of the Telugu legend may be upside-down.

Tails to Top Cross

The crosses next to Vishnu usually have two tails, but sometimes the left, right or both tails may be re-engraved

Sword

Vishnu usually has his sword in the left Hand (LH) but very rarely there is no sword.

 

 

I

II

IIa

III

IIIa

IV

V

VI

VII

Circles of Beads

5

3

3

3

3

3

3

3

3

Top Left Cross

14

14

14

14

13

11

15

16

16

Top Right Cross

11

12

12

14

11

13

12

14

14

Stop in Legend

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Beads below Vishnu

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

2 above stalk

0

Rotation of first letter of Telugu Legend

OK

OK

OK

OK

OK

OK

OK

OK

OK

Tails to Top Cross

Two

Two

Four

Two

Two

Two

Two

Two

Two

Sword

LH

LH

LH

LH

LH

LH

LH

LH

LH

 

 

VIII

IX

X

XI

XII

XIIa

XIIc

XIII

Circles of Beads

3

3

3

3

3

3

3

3

Top Left Cross

16

16

16

16

16

16

16

14

Top Right Cross

14

14

14

14

14

14

15

16

Stop in Legend

Yes

Yes

No

No

No

No

Yes

Yes

Beads below Vishnu

2

2

0

1

2

2

1

2

Rotation of first letter of Telugu Legend

OK

OK

Upside-down

OK

OK

OK

OK

OK

Tails to Top Cross

Two

Four

Two

Two

Two

Two

Two

Two

Sword

LH

LH

LH

LH

LH

None

LH

LH

 

Shape, circle

Description automatically generated

Photo from Noonans, 8th Feb ’23 (Puddester), lot 108. Described as Mint Specimen set (3.98, 3.200.3.235, 3.254, 3.271)

 

Madras Mint – Reformation – Silver, Quarter Pagoda 1808 to 1812

 

(Persian = Pau hun phuli = quarter of a flower, or star, pagoda)

(Tamil = Kal vara kun, Telugu = Kal varahani = quarter of a pagoda)

Seven tiered Gopuram of a temple, standing on stony ground. Between seven and nine stars on each side. All this surrounded by a buckled garter. On the garter is the value in English:

QUARTER PAGODA

and Persian. All within a beaded border.

Figure of Vishnu usually holding a sword in his left hand. Dotted and other symbols on each side and a lotus flower below. All surrounded by two circles of beads. All this within a ribbon, the ends separated by a star. On the ribbon is the value in Tamil and Telugu. All within a beaded border.

 

Official Weight (g)

10.58

Actual Weight (g)

10.26-10.71

Actual Diameter (mm)

25.6-28.3

Composition

Silver

Edge

Grained Right

Mintage

7,091,587

Axis

↑↑

 

Catalogue

Cat No.

Photo Link

Obv

Rev

Obverse

Reverse

Proven’

Comments

Rarity

Buckle

Stars

Stops

Shading

Tongue

QUARTER/ PAGODA

Gopuram

Beads in Cross

Bead Below

Sword

Stop

Bead Above

Tamil

3.157

341.

A

I

(V)

Square

7+7

End

No

-

 

G

13/11

2

 

 

 

 

Bald

7 Stars. Ref: Kaslove. Kaslove believes his specimen to be reverse V but the one from the Baldwin’s sale is reverse I. There may be more than one reverse for this variety

RRR

3.158

295.

B

I

Square

8+8

None

No

-

 

G,O

13/11

2

 

 

 

 

Ste, Noble, RJ

8 Stars

RR

3.161

296c.

C

I

Square

9+9

End

No

-

 

AG

13/11

2

 

 

 

 

RJ

R

3.162

296e.

C

II

Square

9+9

End

No

-

 

A

13/11

2

None

 

 

 

SA

RR

3.159

296.

C

III

Square

9+9

End

No

-

 

A, AG

13/11

2

 

No

 

 

Ste, Noon

 

R

3.160

296a.

C

VI

Square

9+9

End

No

-

 

 

13/11

0

 

 

 

 

RJ

Ref: Kaslove

R

3.163

296g.

C

VII

Square

9+9

End

No

-

 

AG

13/11

0

None

 

 

 

Tody

RR

3.163A

296i.

C

VIII

Square

9+9

End

No

-

 

A

13/11

0

 

No

 

RJ, Noon

R

3.164

297.

C

XVI

Square

9+9

End

No

-

 

 

11/9

0

 

 

No

 

 

Ref: seen at Baldwin’s

R

3.164C

297c.

C1

VIII

Square

9+9

None

No

-

 

A

13/11

0

 

 

No

 

RJ

No crossbars on As

R

3.165

298.

D

XVI

Oval

9+8

None

No

Yes

 

A

11/9

0

 

 

No

 

Ste

9+8 Stars.

RR

3.165C

298c.

D1

IV

Oval

9+8

C+E

(PA.G)

Yes

 

A

14/11

1

 

 

No

 

RJ

9+8 stars.

RR

3.166

299.

E

VI

Oval

9+9

None

Yes

Yes

 

13/11

0

 

 

 

 

Ste, RJ

 

R

3.167

300.

E

VIII

Oval

9+9

None

Yes

Yes

 

G, GO

13/11

0

 

 

No

 

Ste, Noon

 

R

3.167A

299c.

E

IX

Oval

9+9

None

Yes

Yes

 

G

12/11

0

 

No

 

 

Ste, RJ

 

R

3.167C

300c.

E

IIIa

Oval

9+9

None

Yes

Yes

 

A

9/11

0

 

 

No

 

Noble

 

R

3.168

301.

E

XIV

Oval

9+9

None

Yes

Yes

 

G

11/9

0

 

 

 

 

Ste

 

R

3.169

302.

E

XVI

Oval

9+9

None

Yes

Yes

 

PA, A, AG, G

11/9

0

 

 

No

 

Ste, Bombay, Noon

Can occur with large As and O particularly noticeable in PAGODA (Ref: Thompson)

S

3.170

303.

E

XVII

Oval

9+9

None

Yes

Yes

 

G

L:9/11

R:8/9

0

 

 

No

 

Ste

Reverse crosses of dots incorporated into circles of beads

R

3.171

304.

E

XIX

Oval

9+9

None

Yes

Yes

 

G, GO

11/9

0

RH

 

No

 

Ste, Marudhar

At least 3 different reverse dies. See photos

RR

3.171C

304b.

F

VIII

Oval

9+9

None

Yes

No

 

AG

13/11

0

 

No

 

Marudhar

R

3.172

304c.

F

XVI

Oval

9+9

None

Yes

No

 

A, AG

11/9

0

 

No

 

HC

R

3.173

305.

F

XVIII

Oval

9+9

None

Yes

No

 

AG

11/9

0

 

No

No

 

Ste

 

R

3.173C

305b.

F

XX

Oval

9+9

None

Yes

No

 

AG

11/9

0

None

 

Noon

 

RR

3.176

306.

G

VIII

Oval

9+9

None

No

Yes

 

PA, A

13/11

0

 

 

No

 

Ste, RJ

 

R

3.177

307.

G

IX

Oval

9+9

None

No

Yes

 

PA

12/11

0

 

No

 

 

Ste, RJ

 

R

3.177C

307c.

G

Xa

Oval

9+9

None

No

Yes

 

PA

13/10

0

 

No

 

Noon

 

R

3.177D

307e.

G

Xb

Oval

9+9

None

No

Yes

 

P

13/10

0

 

No

 

Noon

 

R

3.178

308.

G

XVI

Oval

9+9

None

No

Yes

 

PA, GO

11/9

0

 

 

No

 

Ste, RJ

 

R

3.179

308a.

H

XVI

Oval

9+9

None

No

No

 

 

11/9

0

 

 

No

 

 

Ref: Kaslove

R

3.180C

309c.

J

XIV

Oval

9+9

Centre

Yes

Yes

AG

11/9

0

 

 

 

RJ

R

3.181

310.

J

XVI

Oval

9+9

Centre

Yes

Yes

 

A

11/9

0

 

 

No

 

Ste

 

R

3.181C

310c.

J1

XVI

Oval

9+9

Centre

Yes

No

 

AG

11/9

0

 

No

 

Bald

 

R

3.182

311.

K

VI

Oval

9+9

Centre

No

Yes

 

A

13/11

0

 

 

 

 

Ste

 

R

3.182C

312.

L

VI

Oval

9+9

End

Yes

Yes

 

A

13/11

0

 

 

 

 

Ste

R

3.183

313.

L

VIII

Oval

9+9

End

Yes

Yes

 

A

13/11

0

 

 

No

 

Ste

 

R

3.184

314.

L

X

Oval

9+9

End

Yes

Yes

 

AG

13/11

0

 

No

No

 

Ste

 

R

3.185

315.

L

XI

Oval

9+9

End

Yes

Yes

 

AG

11/10

0

 

 

 

 

Ste, Tody

 

R

3.186

316.

L

XII

Oval

9+9

End

Yes

Yes

 

G

11/11

0

 

 

No

 

Ste

Centre stop might be present.

R

3.187

317.

L

XIV

Oval

9+9

End

Yes

Yes

 

A, AG

11/9

0

 

 

 

 

Ste, Stacks

 

S

3.188

317c.

L

XV

Oval

9+9

End

Yes

Yes

 

A

11/9

0

 

 

No

Missing

HC

RR

3.188C

317d.

L

XVI

Oval

9+9

End

Yes

Yes

 

A, AG

11/9

0

 

 

No

 

DNW, Noon

 

R

3.188E

317g.

L

XVIIIa

Oval

9+9

End

Yes

Yes

 

A

11/9

0

 

 

Yes

 

Spink

 

R

3.189

317e.

M

VI

Oval

9+9

End

Yes

Two

 

A

13/11

0

 

 

 

 

SA

R

3.189C

317f.

M

Xa

Oval

9+9

End

Yes

Two

 

A

13/10

0

 

 

No

 

eBay

R

3.189E

317i.

M1

XVI

Oval

9+9

End

No

Two

 

AG

11/9

0

 

 

No

 

Marudhar

R

3.190

318.

N

XVI

Oval

9+9

End

Yes

No

 

A

11/9

0

 

 

No

 

Ste, Tody, RJ

 

S

3.190C

318c.

N

XIX

Oval

9+9

End

Yes

No

 

A

11/9

0

RH

 

No

 

Ashrith Setty

 

RR

3.192

319c.

O

VI

Oval

9+9

End

No

Yes

 

A, G

13/11

0

 

 

 

 

Ste, Bombay, Noon, RJ

 

S

3.193

320.

O

VIII

Oval

9+9

End

No

Yes

 

PA

13/11

0

 

 

No

 

Ste

 

S

3.193A

320a.

O

VIII

Oval

9+9

End

No

Yes

 

A

13/11

0

 

 

No

 

Noon

 

RR

3.193C

320b

O

XIV

Oval

9+9

End

No

Yes

 

A

11/9

0

 

 

 

 

DNW, Noon

 

R

3.194

320c.

O

XVI

Oval

9+9

End

No

Yes

 

G

11/9

0

 

 

No

 

Tody

 

R

3.195

321.

P

VI

Oval

9+9

C+E

Yes

Yes

 

A

13/11

0

 

 

 

 

Ste

 

R

3.196

322.

P

VIII

Oval

9+9

C+E

Yes

Yes

 

G

13/11

0

 

 

No

 

Ste

 

R

3.197

322c.

P

XI

Oval

9+9

C+E

Yes

Yes

 

AG

11/10

0

 

 

 

 

RJ

 

R

3.198

323.

P

XIII

Oval

9+9

C+E

Yes

Yes

 

A

9/11

0

 

 

No

 

Ste

 

R

3.199

324.

P

XIV

Oval

9+9

C+E

Yes

Yes

 

A, G

11/9

0

 

 

 

 

Ste, HC, Noon

 

S

3.200

325.

P

XVI

Oval

9+9

C+E

Yes

Yes

 

A, AG, G, GO

11/9

0

 

 

No

 

Ste, RJ, Noon

 

S

3.201

326.

P

XVIII

Oval

9+9

C+E

Yes

Yes

 

G

11/9

0

 

No

No

 

Ste

 

R

3.201A

326c.

P

XIX

Oval

9+9

C+E

Yes

Yes

 

AG

11/9

0

RH

No

 

RJ

 

RR

3.202

327.

P

XX

Oval

9+9

C+E

Yes

Yes

 

A, G

11/9

0

None

 

 

 

Ste, SA

RR

3.203

328.

Q

XIV

Oval

9+9

C+E

Yes

No

 

 

11/9

0

 

 

 

 

 

Ref: Thompson

R

3.204

329.

Q

XVI

Oval

9+9

C+E

Yes

No

 

A, AG, G

11/9

0

 

 

No

 

Ste, Sov

 

R

3.205

330.

R

IV

Oval

9+9

C+E

No

No

 

 

13/11

1

 

 

 

 

 

Ref: Wiggins

R

3.206

331.

R

XIII

Oval

9+9

C+E

No

No

 

A

9/11

0

 

 

No

 

Ste

 

R

3.207

332.

S

I

Oval

9+9

C+E

No

Yes

 

 

13/11

2

 

 

 

 

 

Ref: Wiggins

R

3.208

333.

S

VI

Oval

9+9

C+E

No

Yes

 

P, A

13/11

0

 

 

 

 

Ste, RJ, Noon

Beads in left cross sometimes re-engraved. One seen with a plain edge

S

3.210

334.

S

VIII

Oval

9+9

C+E

No

Yes

 

P

13/11

0

 

 

No

 

Ste

R

3.210C

334c.

S

XIIIa

Oval

9+9

C+E

No

Yes

 

A

12/9

0

 

 

No

 

RJ

R

3.211

336.

S

XIV

Oval

9+9

C+E

No

Yes

 

 

11/9

0

 

 

 

 

 

Ref: Wiggins

R

3.212

337.

S

XVI

Oval

9+9

C+E

No

Yes

 

A

11/9

0

 

 

No

 

RJ

Exists with first R over O. See photos

R

3.213

338.

S

XIX

Oval

9+9

C+E

No

Yes

 

G

11/9

0

RH

 

No

 

Ste

 

RR

3.214

339.

T

XVI

Oval

9+9

C+E

No

Yes

PAPAGODA

AP

11/9

0

 

 

No

 

Ste, Tody

 

RRR

3.215

339c.

U

XVI

Oval

9+9

End

No

Yes

PAGOD

G

11/9

0

 

 

No

 

Vikram Coins, RJ

RRR

3.216

340.

V

XVI

Oval

9+9

C+E

Yes

Yes

QUARTE

A

11/9

0

 

 

No

 

Noon, HC

See photos for one with a centre stop on the E

RRR

3.216C

340e.

W

VI

Square

10+10

None

No

-

 

G

13/11

0

 

 

Yes

 

M&E

 

RRR

3.216

340c.

W

XVI

Square

10+10

None

No

-

 

G

11/9

0

 

 

No

 

DNW

 

RRR

Rarity of the minor varieties is unknown. Some may be very rare

 

Obverse Varieties

The letter the gopuram points to varies, as on the half pagoda. The letter can be determined by holding a ruler up the central spine of the gopuram. If the ruler touches a letter, including the serif or edge of the letter, then the gopuram is considered to point to that letter. The letters are shown in the listings above, but this is far from complete.

Buckle Shape

The buckle may be square or oval.

Number of stars

The number of stars on each side of the gopuram can vary.

Stops in Legend

The English legend may contain no stops, a centre stop alone, an end stop alone, or a centre stop plus an end stop (C+E).

Shading in buckle

The shading may or may not extend into the buckle.

Cross tongue

The buckle may or may not have a cross-tongue.

Spelling of QUARTER

QUARTER may be mis-spelt QUARTE

Spelling of PAGODA

PAGODA may be mis-spelt PAPAGODA or PAGOD.

 

 

A

B

C

C1

D

D1

E

F

G

Buckle Shape

Square

Square

Square

Square

Oval

Oval

Oval

Oval

Oval

Number of stars

7+7

8+8

9+9

9+9

9+8

9+8

9+9

9+9

9+9

Stops in Legend

End

None

End

None

None

C+E (PA.G)

None

None

None

Shading in buckle

No

No

No

No

No

No

Yes

Yes

No

Cross tongue

-

-

-

-

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

Spelling of QUARTER

Correct

Correct

Correct

Correct

Correct

Correct

Correct

Correct

Correct

Spelling of PAGODA

Correct

Correct

Correct

Correct

Correct

Correct

Correct

Correct

Correct

 

 

H

J

J1

K

L

M1

M

N

Buckle Shape

Oval

Oval

Oval

Oval

Oval

Oval

Oval

Oval

Number of stars

9+9

9+9

9+9

9+9

9+9

9+9

9+9

9+9

Stops in Legend

None

Centre

Centre

Centre

End

End

End

End

Shading in buckle

No

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

Cross tongue

No

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

Two

Two

No

Spelling of QUARTER

Correct

Correct

Correct

Correct

Correct

Correct

Correct

Correct

Spelling of PAGODA

Correct

Correct

Correct

Correct

Correct

Correct

Correct

Correct

 

 

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

Buckle Shape

Oval

Oval

Oval

Oval

Oval

Oval

Oval

Oval

Square

Number of stars

9+9

9+9

9+9

9+9

9+9

9+9

9+9

9+9

10+10

Stops in Legend

End

C+E

C+E

C+E

C+E

C+E

End

C+E

None

Shading in buckle

No

Yes

Yes

No

No

No

No

Yes

No

Cross tongue

Yes

Yes

No

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

-

Spelling of QUARTER

Correct

Correct

Correct

Correct

Correct

Correct

Correct

QUARTE

Correct

Spelling of PAGODA

Correct

Correct

Correct

Correct

Correct

PAPAGODA

PAGOD.

Correct

Correct

 

Reverse Varieties

Top Left Cross

To the left of Vishnu is an arrangement of dots topped by a cross shape, representing one of his wives. The number of dots that form this figure varies. Very rarely, one of the beads may be incorporated into the inner circle of beads. The number of beads in the cross is then expressed as, e.g. 9/11.

Top Right Cross

To the right of Vishnu is an arrangement of dots topped by a cross shape, representing one of his wives. The number of dots that form this figure varies. Very rarely, two of the beads may be incorporated into the inner circle of beads. The number of beads in the cross is then expressed as, e.g. 8/9.

Bead below Vishnu

There may be zero, one or two beads below Vishnu's feet within the stalk of the lotus flower. These beads are separate from those that form part of the circles of beads.

Vishnu's Sword

The facing figure of Vishnu usually holds a sword in his left hand, but rarer examples exist with the sword in his right hand, or no sword at all.

Stop in Legend

There may or may not be a stop between the Tamil and Telugu legends.

Bead above Vishnu

There is sometimes a single bead above Vishnu's head. This bead is sometimes incorporated into the inner ring of beads. If it is clearly distinct, it is considered to have a bead above, but if there is doubt, then NO bead is considered to be present

Tamil

The third letter from the bottom of the Tamil legend at left may be missing.

 

 

I

II

III

IIIa

IV

V

VI

VII

VIII

IX

X

Xa

Xb

Top Left Cross

13

13

13

14

13

13

13

13

13

12

13

13

13

Top Right Cross

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

11

10

10

Bead below Vishnu

2

2

2

1

1

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Vishnu's Sword

Left Hand

None

Left Hand

Left Hand

Left Hand

Left Hand

Left Hand

None

Left Hand

Left Hand

Left Hand

Left Hand

Left Hand

Stop in Legend

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

No

Yes

Yes

Bead above Vishnu

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

No

No

Yes

Tamil

OK

OK

OK

OK

OK

OK

OK

OK

OK

OK

OK

OK

OK

 

 

XI

XII

XIII

XIIIa

XIV

XV

XVI

XVII

XVIII

XVIIIa

XIX

XX

Top Left Cross

11

11

9

12

11

11

11

9/11

11

11

11

11

Top Right Cross

10

11

11

9

9

9

9

8/9

9

9

9

9

Bead below Vishnu

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Vishnu's Sword

Left Hand

Left Hand

Left Hand

Left Hand

Left Hand

Left Hand

Left Hand

Left Hand

Left Hand

Left Hand

Right Hand

None

Stop in Legend

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

No

Yes

Yes

Bead above Vishnu

Yes

No

No

No

Yes

No

No

No

No

Yes

No

Yes

Tamil

OK

OK

OK

OK

OK

Missing

OK

OK

OK

OK

OK

OK

 

Madras Mint – Reformation – Silver, Five Fanams 1808 to 1812

 

(Persian = Panj Falam = Five fanams)

(Tamil = Anacu panam, Telugu = Aedu rukalu = Five fanams)

The value in Persian within a buckled garter. On the garter is the value in English:

FIVE FANAMS

All within a beaded border.

The value in Telugu in two lines surrounded by a ribbon, the ends of which are separated by a star. On the ribbon is the value in Tamil. All within a beaded border.

 

Official Weight (g)

4.65

Actual Weight (g)

3.92-4.74

Actual Diameter (mm)

20.5-22.7

Composition

Silver

Edge

Grained Right

Axis

↑↑

Mintage

3,953,694

 

Catalogue

Cat No.

Photo Link

Obv

Rev

Obverse

Reverse

Provenance

Comments

Rarity

Buckle

Stops

Shading

Tongue

Tamil

Star

3.217

342.

A

I

Large Sq

None

No

-

Inward

 

Ste, HC, Noonan

 

S

3.218

342c.

B

II

Short Sq

None

No

Yes

Outward

 

HC

RR

3.218C

342e.

B1

I

Short Sq

None

No

No

Outward

 

HC

RR

3.219

343.

C

I

Short Sq

Centre

No

No

Inward

 

 

SNC. April 1980, p.147, No. 3030. No photo.

RR

3.220

355.

D

I

Short Sq

Centre

No

Yes

Inward

 

Ste, HC, Noon

Many have the serifs on E touching making the word look like FIVB

S

3.221

355c.

E

I

Long Sq

Centre

No

-

Inward

 

HC, Noon

S

3.221C

355f.

E

IV

Long Sq

Centre

No

-

Inward. Na inverted

 

HC

RR

3.222

355e.

F

I

Long Sq

None

No

-

Inward

 

RR

3.223

355g.

F

II

Long Sq

None

No

-

Outward

 

HC

RR

3.224

344.

G

I

Square

None

No

No

Inward

 

HC

S

3.225

344c.

H

I

Square

None

No

Yes

Inward

 

HC

R

3.225C

344e.

H1

I

Square

Centre

No

Yes

Inward

 

HC, RJ

S

3.225E

344g.

H1

IV

Square

Centre

No

Yes

Inward Na inverted

 

HC

RR

3.226

345.

I

I

Oval

None

No

Yes

Inward

 

Ste, HC

 

S

3.227

346.

I

I

Oval

None

No

Yes

Inward

 

Ste

Axis: ↑↓

RR

3.228

346c.

I

II

Oval

None

No

Yes

Outward

 

HC

RR

3.229

347.

J

I

Oval

None

Yes

Yes

Inward

 

Ste, Noon

 

S

3.230

348.

J

I

Oval

None

Yes

Yes

Inward

 

Ste

Edge grained left.

RR

3.231

349.

K

I

Oval

None

Yes

No

Inward

 

Ste, Noon

S

3.233

351.

L

II

Dots

None

No

Yes

Outward

 

RJ, Noon

RR

3.234

352.

M

I

Oval

Centre

No

Yes

Inward

 

Ste, Noon, HC

 

S

3.235

353.

N

I

Oval

Centre

Yes

Yes

Inward

 

Ste, RJ, DNW, Noon

Some examples have shading on the left side of a disjointed buckle. See photos.

S

3.236

354.

O

I

Oval

Centre

Yes

No

Inward

 

Ste, Noon

 

RR

3.237

356.

P

I

Dots

Centre

No

-

Inward

 

Ste, HC, Noble

Proof-like specimen in BM. Some have the serifs touching on the E making the word look like FIVB. These were previously listed as 3.240, Q/I.

R

3.238

357.

P

II

Dots

Centre

No

-

Outward

 

Ste, HC, RJ, Noon

 

R

3.239

356c.

P

III

Dots

Centre

No

-

Inward

Absent

HC

RRR

3.241

358.

R

I

Oval

C+E

Yes

Yes

Inward

 

HC

RR

3.241C

358c.

S

I

Oval

C+E

No

Yes

Inward

 

Craig

RR

 

Obverse Varieties

Buckle Shape

The buckle may be square (large, short or long), oval, or formed with dots. Some oval buckles may appear square but can be differentiated by the rounded corners and the shape of the tongue.

Stops in legend

The English legend may contain no stops, a centre stop alone or a centre stop plus an end stop (C+E).

Shading in buckle

The shading may or may not extend into the buckle.

Cross tongue

The buckle may or may not have a cross-tongue.

 

 

A

B

B1

C

D

E

F

G

H

H1

I

Buckle Shape

Large Square

Short Square

Short Square

Short Square

Short Square

Long Square

Long Square

Square

Square

Square

Oval

Stops in legend

None

None

None

Centre

Centre

Centre

None

None

None

Centre

None

Shading in buckle

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

Cross tongue

-

Yes

No

No

Yes

No

No

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

 

 

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

R

S

Buckle Shape

Oval

Oval

Dots

Oval

Oval

Oval

Dots

Oval

Oval

Stops in legend

None

None

None

Centre

Centre

Centre

Centre

C+E

C+E

Shading in buckle

Yes

Yes

No

No

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

No

Cross tongue

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

 

Reverse Varieties

 

Tamil Legend

The top of the Tamil legend may face inward or outward. The second letter from the right Na may be inverted.

Star

The star between the ends of the ribbon may be present or absent.

 

 

I

II

III

IV

Tamil Legend

Inward

Outward

Inward

Inward. Na inverted

Star

Present

Present

Absent

Present

 

Madras Mint – Reformation – Silver, Two Fanams 1808 to 1812

 

(Persian = Do falam = Double fanam)

(Telugu = Renddu rukalu, Tamil = Irantu panam = Two fanams)

The value in Persian within a buckled garter. On the garter is the value in English:

DOUBLE FANAM

All within a beaded border.

The value in Telugu in two lines surrounded by a ribbon, the ends of which are separated by a star. On the ribbon is the value in Tamil. All within a beaded border.

 

Official Weight (g)

1.85

Actual Weight (g)

1.70-1.92

Actual Diameter (mm)

14.1-15.9

Composition

Silver

Edge

Grained Right

Axis

↑↑

Mintage

6,044,350

 

Catalogue

Cat No.

Photo Link

Obv

Rev

Obverse

Reverse

Provenance

Comments

Rarity

Buckle

Legend

Marks

Stop

Shading

Tamil

3.242

359.

A

II

Short Square

 

U

No

No

Outward

Ste, HC, RJ, Noon

Kaslove has one with no diacritical marks. Also occurs with the axis ↑↓. Also one that appears to have B over last E of DOUBLE. Also, with and without tongue in buckle. See Photos.

C

3.243

360.

B

II

Short Square

 

U

Yes

No

Outward

Ste

Ref: Thompson.

RR

3.244

361.

C

II

Short Square

 

U+M

No

No

Outward

Ste

 

R

3.246

363.

E

II

Short Square

DOBLE

U

No

No

Outward

Ste, Noon

DOBLE

RR

3.247

364.

F

II

Square

FANM

U

No

No

Outward

Ste

FANM

RR

3.248

365.

G

II

Square

DOBBLE

U

No

No

Outward

Ste, RJ

U over first B in DOBBLE

RR

3.249

366.

H

II

Square

 

U+M

No

No

Outward

RJ, Noon

R

3.250

367.

I

I

Short Oval

 

U+M

No

No

Inward

Ste, Noon

 

S

3.251

368.

J

I

Short Oval

 

U+M

No

Yes

Inward

RJ

R

3.252

369.

K

I

Short Oval

 

M

No

No

Inward

Ste, RJ

 

R

3.253

370.

L

I

Short Oval

 

U

No

Yes

Inward

Ste

 

R

3.254

371.

M

I

Short Oval

 

U

No

No

Inward

Ste, Noon

 

N

3.256

373.

O

I

Long Oval

 

U+M

No

No

Inward

Ste, Noon

See photos for a specimen with a more oval-shaped buckle

N

3.257

374.

P

I

Long Oval

 

M

No

No

Inward

Ste

 

R

3.258

374c.

P

II

Long Oval

 

M

No

No

Outward

SA

R

3.259

375.

Q

I

Long Oval

 

U

No

No

Inward

Ste, RJ, Noon

 

S

3.260

376.

R

I

Long Oval

 

U+M+L

No

No

Inward

Ste

 

R

3.261

377.

S

I

Long Oval

 

M+L

Yes

No

Inward

Ste, HC

 

R

3.262

378.

T

I

Long Oval

FANAW

U

No

No

Inward

HC, Noon

RR

3.262C

378b.

T1

I

Rounded Oval

SANAM

U+M

No

Yes

Inward

Noon, RJ

RR

3.263

378c.

U

I

Dots

 

U+M

No

No

Inward

RJ

RR

3.264

379.

U

II

Dots

 

U+M

No

No

Outward

Ste

RR

3.265

380.

V

II

Dots

 

U

Yes

No

Outward

HC

R

3.265C

380c.

W

I

Dots

FANAMƧ

U+M

No

No

Inward

HC

Retrograde S obscured. O over U in DOUBLE

RR

3.266

381.

W

II

Dots

FANAMƧ

U+M

No

No

Outward

RJ, Ste

Retrograde S. O Over U in DOUBLE

RR

3.267

381c.

X

I

None

U

No

-

Inward

RJ

RR

3.267A

382.

X

II

None

 

U

No

-

Outward

RJ

RR

 

Obverse Varieties

Buckle Shape

The buckle may be short square, square, short oval, long oval, rounded oval, formed with dots or there may be no buckle.

Spelling of Legend

The legend may be mis-spelt, e.g. DOUBLE may be spelt DOBLE or DOBBLE, and FANAM spelt FANM, FANAMƧ or FANAW.

Diacritical marks

There should be one diacritical mark in the Persian legend. This mark is above the central legend (upper mark - U). There may be an extra dot within the letters (mid mark - M), or another mark below the letters (lower mark - L) or various combinations.

The mid-mark is not a diacritical mark and is probably a remnant from engraving the circles that form the ribbon.

Stop in Legend

There may or may not be a stop in the legend

Shading in Buckle

The shading may or may not extend into the buckle

 

 

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

Buckle Shape

Short Square

Short Square

Short Square

Short Square

Short Square

Square

Square

Square

Spelling of Legend

Correct

Correct

Correct

Correct

DOBLE FANAM

DOUBLE FANM

DOBBLE

FANAM

Correct

Diacritical marks

U

U

U+M

Not Clear

U

U

U

U+M

Stop in Legend

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

No

No

No

Shading in Buckle

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

 

 

I

J

K

L

M

Buckle Shape

Short Oval

Short Oval

Short Oval

Short Oval

Short Oval

Spelling of Legend

Correct

Correct

Correct

Correct

Correct

Diacritical marks

U+M

U+M

M

U

U

Stop in Legend

No

No

No

No

No

Shading in Buckle

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

 

 

O

P

Q

R

S

T

Buckle Shape

Long Oval

Long Oval

Long Oval

Long Oval

Long Oval

Long Oval

Spelling of Legend

Correct

Correct

Correct

Correct

Correct

FANAW

Diacritical marks

U+M

M

U

U+M+L

M+L

U

Stop in Legend

No

No

No

No

No

No

Shading in Buckle

No

No

No

No

No

No

 

 

T1

U

V

W

X

Buckle Shape

Rounded Oval

Dots

Dots

Dots

No Buckle

Spelling of Legend

Correct

Correct

Correct

FANAMƧ (retrograde S)

Correct

Diacritical marks

U+M

U+M

U

U+M

U

Stop in Legend

No

No

Yes

No

No

Shading in Buckle

Yes

No

No

No

-

 

Reverse Varieties

Tamil legend

The top of the Tamil legend may face inwards or outwards

 

 

I

II

Tamil legend

Inward

Outward

 

 

Madras Mint – Reformation – Silver, Fanam 1808 to 1812

 

(Persian = falam = fanam)

Madras 211 1808 Fanam Obverse A Rev

(Telugu = ruka, Tamil = panam = fanam)

The value in Persian surrounded by a buckled garter. On the garter is the value in English. All within a beaded border.

The value in Telugu in one line surrounded by a ribbon, the ends of which are separated by a star. On the ribbon is the value in Tamil. All within a beaded border

 

Official Weight (g)

0.88

Actual Weight (g)

0.83-0.96

Actual Diameter (mm)

10.4-12.4

Composition

Silver

Edge

Grained Right

Axis

↑↑

Mintage

1,545,412

 

Catalogue

Cat No.

Photo Link

Obv

Obverse

Provenance

Comments

Rarity

Buckle

Mark

FANAM

3.268

383.

A

Oval

Yes

 

Ste, HC, SA, Noon

 

N

3.269

384.

B

Oval

No

 

Ste, HC, Noon

See photos for one with a longer oval buckle.

S

3.270

384c.

C

Oval

No

Retro N

HC

RRR

3.271

385.

D

Round

No

 

Ste, HC, Noon, Jay Raiveeson

Occurs with and without a tongue in the buckle. See photos

S

3.271A

385c.

D1

Large Round

No

 

HC, ClassNG

Specimens exist with and without tongue in buckle. See photos

R

3.272

386c.

E

Square

Yes

 

Noon

 

RR

3.272C

386.

E1

Curved Square

Yes

 

RJ, Noble

 

RR

3.273

387.

F

Dots

Yes

 

HC, RJ

Ref: SNC September 1976, p. 319. Also, SNC April 1980, p. 147. Occurs with and without a tongue in the buckle. The number of dots in the buckle varies. See photos.

R

3.273C

387c.

F1

Dots

No

 

RJ, HC

Occurs with and without a tongue in the buckle. The number of dots in the buckle varies. See photos.

RR

3.274

388.

G

None

Yes

 

Ste, HC, Noon

 

R

 

Obverse Varieties

Buckle Shape

The buckle may be oval, round, square or formed with dots.

Diacritical mark

There may or may not be a diacritical mark.

Letters in FANAM

The letters in FANAM may be correct or there may be a retrograde N

 

 

A

B

C

D

D1

E

E1

F

F1

G

Buckle Shape

Oval

Oval

Oval

Round

Large Round

Square

Curved Square

Dots

Dots

No Buckle

Diacritical mark

Yes

No

No

No

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

Letters in FANAM

Correct

Correct

retro N

Correct

Correct

Correct

Correct

Correct

Correct

Correct

 

Madras Mint – Reformation – Copper, Forty Cash 1807

 

The value in Persian and English. (Persian = In chahal kas ast = This is forty cash).

Value in Tamil and Telugu. (Telugu = Idi nalabhai kasulu, Tamil = Idu naipadu kasu = this is forty Cash).

 

Official Weight (g)

19.31

Actual Weight (g)

18.03-19.62

Actual Diameter (mm)

35.0-37.7

Composition

Copper

Edge

Plain

Axis

Varies. See below

Mintage (to March 1808)

514,922

 

Catalogue

Cat No.

Photo Link

Obv

Rev

Obverse

Reverse

Axis

Provenance

Comments

Rarity

Separator

XL

Tamil

Separator

Letters

3.275

389.

A

I

Plain

XL.

Correct

2 Dots/Star

4

↑↑

Ste, SA, Bald

RR

3.275C

389c.

A

Ia

Plain

XL.

Correct

Dots

4

↑↑

RJ, Noon

 

RR

3.276

390.

A

II

Plain

XL.

Correct

None

4

↑↑

Ste, Tody, Noon, Anantha Raghuraman

Some examples have a decoration at the bottom of the reverse. See photos.

R

3.276C

390c.

A

IV

Plain

XL.

Square

None

3

↑↑

Ref: BM 12360

RR

3.277

391.

A

VII

Plain

XL.

Square

None

4 small

↑↑

 

Ref:BM

RR

3.278

393.

B

I

2 Plain

XL.

Correct

2 Dots/Star

4

↑↑

Ste, Noon

Ref: BM

S

3.279

394.

B

I

2 Plain

XL.

Correct

2 Dots/Star

4

↑↓

Ref: Withers

RR

3.280

395.

B

II

2 Plain

XL.

Correct

None

4

↑↑

Ste

 

RR

3.281

396.

B

II

2 Plain

XL.

Correct

None

4

↑↓

 

Ref: BM

RR

3.282

396c.

B

III

2 Plain

XL.

Modified

None

4

↑↑

Ref: Weir

RR

3.283

397.

B

IV

2 Plain

XL.

Square

None

3

↑↑

Ste

Ref: BM

RR

3.283C

399.

B1

I

2 Plain

X.L.

Correct

2 Dots/Star

4

↑↑

RJ

Ref: BM 1935.0401.12361

RR

3.283E

399c.

B1

V

2 Plain

X.L.

Square

None

4 large

↑↑

Bald

Ref: BM 1935.0401.12363 (axis ↑↑)

RR

3.284

398.

B1

VII

2 Plain

X.L.

Square

None

4 small

↑↑

RJ

 

S

3.285

400.

C

III

Dash/3 dots/star

XL.

Modified

None

4

↑↑

Ste, HC, Bald, Noon

 

R

3.286

401b.

C

V

Dash/3 dots/star

XL.

Square

None

4 large

↑↑

RJ

 

RR

3.287

401.

C

VII

Dash/3 dots/star

XL.

Square

None

4 small

↑↑

 

Ref: BM

RR

3.287C

401e.

D

III

Dash/4 dots/star

XL.

Modified

None

4

↑↑

RJ

RR

3.288

401c.

D

V

Dash/4 dots/star

XL.

Square

None

4 large

↑↓

Ste

Ref: Hemanth Chopra

RR

3.289

402.

D

V

Dash/4 dots/star

XL.

Square

None

4 large

↑↑

Ste

RR

3.289C

402c.

E

III

Dash/5 dots/star

XL.

Modified

None

4

↑↑

RJ

 

RR

3.289E

402e.

E

V

Dash/5 dots/star

XL.

Square

None

4 large

↑↑

Tody

 

RR

3.290

403.

E

VII

Dash/5 dots/star

XL.

Square

None

4 small

↑↑

Ste, Bald, RJ, Noon

 

S

3.291

403c.

F

V

Dash/5 dots/star

X.L

Square

None

4 large

↑↑

Bald

 

R

 

Obverse Varieties

Separator

The line separating the Persian from the English legends differs. It may be a single plain line, two parallel plain lines, or a number of dots and stars.

XL

The numerals XL are usually followed by a stop. On some coins the stop comes after the X or after both X and L

 

 

A

B

B1

C

D

E

F

Separator

Plain

2 Plain

2 Plain

Dash/3 dots/star

Dash/4dots/star

Dash/5 dots/star

Dash/5 dots/star

XL

XL dot

XL dot

X dot L dot

XL dot.

XL dot

XL dot

X dot L

 

Reverse Varieties

There may or may not be a tiny dot in the centre of the reverse. This is probably an engraving remnant and is not a distinguishing feature.

 

First Tamil Letter

The first letter in the Tamil legend may take a number of different forms. This might be the correct form, a modified form or a square form.

Middle Tamil Letters

Letters in the middle of the first line of the Tamil legend vary.

Separator

The line separating the Tamil from the Telugu legends differs. It may be two dots and a star, dots alone, or no separator.

Letters on bottom line

Coins with the square form of the first Tamil letter come in three varieties. One with small letters and the usual 4 letters on the bottom line, one with larger (normal) letters and the usual 4 letters in the bottom line, and the last with larger letters and only 3 letters on the bottom line. The letter that normally appears at the start of the bottom line, appears at the end of the previous line in the last variety.

 

 

I

Ia

II

III

IV

V

VII

First Tamil Letter

Correct

Correct

Correct

Modified

Square

Square

Square

Middle Tamil Letters

2 Square

2 Square

2 Square

1 rounded

1 rounded

1 rounded

1 rounded

Separator

2 Dots/Star

Dots

None

None

None

None

None

Letters on bottom line

4

4

4

4

3

4 large

4 small

 

Madras Mint – Reformation – Copper, Twenty Cash 1807

 

The value in Persian and English (Persian = In bist kas ast = this is twenty cash). Top photo in three lines. Bottom in two.

Value in Tamil and Telugu. (Telugu = Idi iravai kasulu, Tamil = Idu irubadu kasu = this is twenty cash)

 

Official Weight (g)

9.65

Actual Weight (g)

7.97-10.25

Actual Diameter (mm)

25.9-27.4

Composition

Copper

Edge

Plain

Axis

Varies. See below

Mintage (to March 1808)

3,016,822

 

Catalogue

Cat No.

Photo Link

Obv

Rev

Obverse

Reverse

Axis

Provenance

Comments

Rarity

Persian

Separator

Bead

Tamil

Letters

3.292

404.

A

I

3 Lines

Plain

Yes

Correct

 

↑↑

HC, RJ

30mm flan. Usually weakly struck

RR

3.292A

404b.

A

I

3 Lines

Plain

Yes

Correct

 

↑↑

This coin and the following are struck on smaller flans (26-27mm)

RR

3.293

404c.

A

II

3 Lines

Plain

Yes

Modified

 

↑↑

Ste

 

RR

3.293A

404e.

A

III

3 Lines

Plain

Yes

Square

 

Jay Raiveeson

NB 4th letter in 3rd line differs from normal. See photo.

RR

3.294

405.

A

V

3 Lines

Plain

Yes

Malformed square

 

?

 

Recorded from Pridmore

RR

3.295

405c.

B

I

3 Lines

Dash/3 dots/Star

Yes

Correct

 

↑↑

Bald, Noon

Ref: Baldwin (2009), June Argentum, lot 77

RR

3.296

406.

B

II

3 Lines

Dash/3 dots/Star

Yes

Modified

 

↑↑

Ste, Noon

See photos for slightly different stars in separator

S

3.296C

406c.

B

III

3 Lines

Dash/3 dots/Star

Yes

Square

 

↑↑

RJ

 

RR

3.297

407.

B

III

3 Lines

Dash/3 dots/Star

Yes

Square

 

↑↓

Ste

 

R

3.297C

407c.

B1

II

3 Lines

Dash/3 dots/Star

No

Modified

 

↑↑

Noon, Bald

 

RR

3.298

408.

C

II

3 Lines

Dash/4 dots/Star

Yes

Modified

 

↑↑

Ste

See photos for a specimen with an extra tiny dot next to the star and specimens with some or all of the dots in the obverse separator shaped like crescents

S

3.299

408c.

C

II

3 Lines

Dash/4 dots/Star

Yes

Modified

 

↑↓

RJ

 

RR

3.299C

408e.

C

III

3 Lines

Dash/4 dots/Star

Yes

Modified

 

↑↑

RJ

 

RR

3.300

409.

C

III

3 Lines

Dash/4 dots/Star

Yes

Square

 

↑↓

Ste, Noble

 

R

3.301

410.

D

II

3 Lines

Dash/4 dots/Star

No

Modified

 

↑↑

RJ

 

RR

3.302

411.

D

III

3 Lines

Dash/4 dots/Star

No

Square

 

↑↑

Ste, Noon

 

R

3.304

412.

D

III

3 Lines

Dash/4 dots/Star

No

Square

 

?

 

Striking in lead. SNC April 1980. Not sure about authenticity

RRR

3.305

412c.

D

IV

3 Lines

Dash/4 dots/Star

No

Square

Missing

↑↓

HC

RR

3.306

413c.

E

III

3 Lines

Dash/4 cups/Star

No

Square

 

↑↑

RJ

 

RR

3.307

413e.

E1

III

3 Lines

Dash3/ cups/Star

No

Square

 

↑↑

RJ

 

RR

3.308

415.

F

III

2 Lines

Dash/4 dots/Star

Yes

Square

 

↑↑

HC, Noon

Exists as a special strike (Johnston). See photos

RR

3.309

416.

F

III

2 Lines

Dash/4 dots/Star

Yes

Square

 

↑↓

RJ

RR

3.310

417.

G

III

2 Lines

Dash/4 dots/Star

No

Square

 

↑↑

Ste, HC, Noon

 

RR

3.311

418.

G

III

2 Lines

Dash/4 dots/Star

No

Square

 

↑↓

Ste, Bald

Also Ref: Weir. List issued Sept 2000.

RR

3.312

419.

H

III

2 Lines

Dots

Yes

Square

 

↑↑

 

Ref: BM (1935.0401.12370 or 12379?)

RRR

3.313

419c.

H

III

2 Lines

Dots

Yes

Square

 

↑↓

 

Ref: Weir.

RRR

 

Obverse Varieties

Arrangement of legend

The Persian letters may be arranged in different ways. Normally in three lines but may be in two

Separator

The line separating the Persian from the English legends differs. It may be a single plain line, a number of dots and stars, or a number of dots alone. The shape of the star varies, and the dots sometimes appear as crescents. Only worn specimens with no separator have been examined. The absence of the separator may therefore simply be due to wear and is not recorded as a variety.

Stop After XX

There is usually a stop after the value letters XX. Sometimes this is missing.

 

 

A

B

B1

C

D

E

E1

F

G

H

Arrangement of legend

3 lines

3 lines

3 lines

3 lines

3 lines

3 lines

2 Lines

2 lines

2 lines

2 lines

Separator

Plain

Dash/

3 dots/ Star

Dash/

3 dots/ Star

Dash/

4 dots/ Star

Dash/

4 dots/ Star

Dash/

4 cups/ Star

Dash/3 cups/ Star

Dash/

4 dots/ Star

Dash/4 dots/ Star

Dots

Stop After XX

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

No

No

 

Yes

No

Yes

 

Reverse Varieties

There may or may not be a tiny dot in the centre of the reverse. This is probably an engraving remnant and is not a distinguishing feature.

 

Tamil Letter

The first and third letter in the Tamil legend may take a number of different forms. This might be the correct form, a modified form, a square form, or a square form without the central upright (NoU). This last variety has been recorded from Pridmore and may be the result of the letter not being fully visible on the flan, rather than a die variety.

Missing Letters

On one variety several letters are missing from the reverse

 

 

I

II

III

IV

V

Tamil Letter

Correct

Modified

Square

Square

Malformed Square

Missing Letters

No

No

No

Yes

No

 

Madras Mint – Reformation – Copper, Ten Cash 1807

The diameter of the flans can vary quite considerably. Pridmore records a separate catalogue entry for a very large flan specimen. However, my investigations indicate that this is simply a coin at the extremity of the spectrum of diameters.

 

The value in Persian and English. (Persian = In dah kas ast = this is ten cash)

The value in Tamil and Telugu. (Telugu = Idi padi kasulu, Tamil = Idu pattu kasu = this is ten Cash)

 

Official Weight (g)

4.83

Actual Weight (g)

4.24-5.20

Actual Diameter (mm)

22.7-26.8

Composition

Copper

Edge

Plain

Mintage (to March 1808)

2,127,922

 

Catalogue

Cat No.

Photo Link

Obv

Rev

Obverse

Reverse

Axis

Provenance

Comments

Rarity

Separator

Stop

Letter

Separator

Tamil

Letter at Bottom

3.314

420.

A

I

Plain

Yes

 

None

Correct

 

↑↑

Bald, Noon

RR

3.315

420c.

A

II

Plain

Yes

 

None

Modified

 

?

Ste, Bald

R

3.316

421.

A

IV

Plain

Yes

 

None

Square

 

↑↑

Ste, RJ

 

RR

3.317

422.

A

V

Plain

Yes

 

Line

Square

 

↑↑

Ste (Jay Lion), Noon

Some have larger diameter than others (Pr 233)

C

3.317A

422a.

A

V

Plain

Yes

 

Line

Square

 

↑↑

RJ

Colon after X and CA over AS in CASH

RR

3.317C

422b.

A1

V

Plain

Yes

Missing

Line

Square

 

↑↑

RJ, Ste

Missing alif on obverse

RR

3.317E

422c.

A2

V

Plain

No

 

Line

Square

 

?

Coins Art, Noon

No dot after X

RR

3.318

425.

B

II

2 Plain

No

 

None

Modified

 

↑↑

Ste

R

3.318A

425c.

B

II

2 Plain

No

 

None

Modified

 

↑↓

Noon

RR

3.319

426.

B

V

2 Plain

No

 

Line

Square

 

↑↑

 

Ref: Thompson

RR

3.320

427.

C

II

3 Dots/Star

Yes

 

None

Modified

 

↑↑

Ste

 

R

3.321

428c.

C

III

3 Dots/Star

Yes

 

None

Modified

Inverted

↑↓

Ste, RJ, Bald

 

R

3.322

429.

C

IV

3 Dots/Star

Yes

 

None

Square

 

↑↑

Ste, Noon

 

R

3.323

429c.

D

II

5 Dots/Dash

Yes

 

None

Modified

 

↑↑

RJ, Bald, Noon

 

R

3.324

430.

D

IV

5 dots/dash

Yes

 

None

Square

 

↑↑

RJ, Noon

 

S

3.324C

430b.

E

II

5 dots/dash

No

 

None

Modified

 

↑↑

RJ

 

RR

3.325

430c.

E

IV

5 dots/dash

No

 

None

Square

 

↑↑

RJ, Noon

R

3.326

431.

F

IV

6 dots/dash

Yes

 

None

Square

 

↑↑

RJ, SA, Noon

N

3.326C

431b.

F1

III

7 dots/dash

Yes

 

None

Modified

Inverted

↑↑

Ste, RJ

RR

3.326D

431d.

F1

IV

7 dots/dash

Yes

 

None

Square

 

↑↑

RJ

RR

3.327

431c.

G

II

7 dots

Yes

 

None

Modified

 

↑↑

RJ

RR

3.328

432.

G

IV

7 dots

Yes

 

None

Square

 

↑↑

Ste

 

S

3.329

433.

H

II

9 dots

Yes

 

None

Modified

 

↑↑

Ste

 

R

 

Obverse Varieties

Separator

The line separating the Persian from the English legends differs. It may be a plain line, two plain lines, a number of dots and a star, or a number of dots alone. The single plain line variety often has a second thin line immediately underneath. The double plain line variety is two clearly separated lines of about the same width

Stop After X

There is usually a stop after the X value letter. Sometimes this is missing.

Missing Letter

On one variety the letter alif is missing from the bottom right of the Persian legend

 

 

A

A1

A2

B

C

D

E

F

F1

G

H

Separator

Plain

Plain

Plain

Two Plain

3 Dots/Star

5 dots/dash

5 dots/dash

6 dots/dash

7 dots/dash

7 Dots

9 Dots

Stop After X

Yes

Yes

No

No

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Missing Letter

No

Yes

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

 

Reverse Varieties

Separator

There may or may not be a dividing line between the Tamil and Telugu legends.

First Tamil Letter

The first letter in the Tamil legend may take a number of different forms. This might be the correct form, a modified form or a square form.

Centre Letter at Bottom

The letter in the centre of the bottom line may be correct or inverted

 

 

I

II

III

IV

V

Separator

None

None

None

None

Plain Line

First Tamil Letter

Correct

Modified

Modified

Square

Square

Centre Letter at Bottom

Correct

Correct

Inverted

Correct

Correct

 

Madras Mint – Reformation – Copper, Five Cash 1807

 

The value in Persian and English (Persian = In panj kas ast = this is five cash)

The value in Tamil and Telugu. (Telugu = Idu anacu kasu, Tamil = Idi aedu kasulu = this is five Cash)

 

Official Weight (g)

2.41

Actual Weight (g)

1.99-2.70

Actual Diameter (mm)

19.6-21.3

Composition

Copper

Edge

Plain

Axis

Varies. See below

Mintage (to March 1808)

1,216,822

 

Catalogue

Cat No.

Photo Link

Obv

Obverse

Axis

Provenance

Comments

Rarity

Separator

Value

Stop

3.330

434.

A

None

V CASH

Yes

↑↓

Ste, Bald

 

R

3.331

435.

A

None

Yes

↑↑

RJ

 

R

3.332

437.

B

7 Dots

Yes

↑↑

Ste, Noon

 

S

3.333

436a.

B

7 Dots

Yes

↑↓

Ste

See photos for a specimen with re-engraved dots

S

3.333B

436e.

C

9 Dots

Yes

↑↑

 

 

RR

3.333C

436.

C

9 Dots

Yes

↑↓

Ste

 

S

3.333E

436d.

C1

9 Dots

No

↑↓

 Noon

 

S

3.333F

436g.

C2

10 Dots

Yes

Jay Lion

 

RR

3.333G

436b.

D

5 dots/dash

Yes

↑↑

RJ

 

R

3.333J

436c.

E

Dots & Star

X CASH

Yes

↑↓

RJ

English value X CASH

RRR

 

Obverse Varieties

Separator

The line separating the Persian from the English legends differs. It may be dots and dash, a number of dots alone, dots and star, or no separator.

English Value

The English value is usually expressed as ‘V CASH’ on one example it is ‘X CASH’ but the value in all other languages is five cash, and the weight is that of a 5 cash coin.

Stop

There is usually a stop after the value letter V or X. Sometimes this is missing

There may also be varieties with large and small English letters. Not enough examples have been examined to clarify this point.

 

 

A

B

C

CI

C2

D

E

Separator

None

7 Dots

9 Dots

9 Dots

10 Dots

5 dots/dash

Dots & Star

English Value

V CASH

V CASH

V Cash

V Cash

V CASH

V CASH

X CASH

Stop

Yes

Yes

Yes

NO

Yes

Yes

Yes

 

Madras Mint – Reformation – Copper, Two & a Half Cash 1807

 

Madras 273 Two and a half Cash Obv

Madras 274 Two and a half Cash Rev

The value in Persian and English (Persian = In do va-nim kas ast = This is two and a half cash). Within a beaded circle.

The value in Tamil and Telugu. (Tamil = Idu 2½ kasu, Telugu = Idi 2½ kasulu = this is 2½cash). Within a beaded circle.

 

Official Weight (g)

1.21

Actual Weight (g)

Varies. See table below

Actual Diameter (mm)

Composition

Copper

Edge

Plain

Mintage(up to March 1808)

561,622

Axis

Varies. See below

 

Catalogue

Cat No.

Photo Link

Obv

Bar

Axis

Actual wt (g)

Actual Diam (mm)

Provenance

Comments

Rarity

3.334

438.

A

Yes

↑↓

1.06-1.30

15.5-17.6

Ste, Tody, Noon, Bald, HC, eBay

The die axis on many recorded specimens is not known

S

3.334C

438c.

A

Yes

↑↑

Ste

 

R

3.335

439.

B

No

↑↑

Ste,

 

R

3.336

440.

B

No

↑↓

Ste, Bald, Newey

The die axis on many of the recorded specimens is not known

S

3.336C

440c.

B

No

↑↓

19.6-20.0

RJ

Large numeral 2 in 2½

RR

3.337

441.

B?

No?

↑↑

2.32

20.5

 

Ref: BM 1935.0401.12380 and Kaslove. Same size and weight as five cash. The letters are noticeable larger and spread out to fill the flan. This is probably a pattern or trial for a larger sized coin.

RRR

 

Obverse Varieties

Bar in 1/2

There may or may not be a horizontal bar in 1/2

The size of the numeral 2 in 2½ was previously used to differentiate types but since some coins have an intermediate sized 2, the presence or absence of a horizontal bar in ½ is now used.

 

 

A

B

Bar in 1/2

Yes

No

 

Madras Mint – Reformation – Silver, Double, Single & Half  Rupee 1807

The rupee and double rupee were struck directly onto Spanish 8 reale coins.

 

sikka mubārak bādshāh ghāzī aziz-al-dīn muḥammad. ‘ālamgīr. [AH] (= The auspicious coin of the Victorious Emperor. Chosen of the faith of Muḥammad. ‘Ālamgīr. [AH]). All within a toothed border for double rupee and plain for single and half.

ẓarb arkāt sanah [RY] julūs maimanat mānūs (= Struck at Arkāt in the [RY] year of his reign of tranquil prosperity). All within a toothed border for double rupee and plain for single and half.

 

 

Double Rupee

Rupee

Half Rupee

Official Weight (g)

24.19

12.10

6.05

Actual Weight (g)

23.63-24.40

11.96-12.18

5.92-6.07

Actual Diameter (mm)

38.8-40.3

26.8-28.2

21.8-22.4

Composition

Silver

Edge

Grained Right

 

Catalogue

Cat No.

Photo Link

Pr No.

Denomination

Obv

Rev

AH

RY

Axis

Provenance

Comments

Mintage

Rarity

3.338

443.

245

Double Rupee

A

I

1172

6

↑↑

Ste, Coins Art, Bombay, RJ, Noon

Dot groups vary on different specimens. See photos.

165,712

R

3.339

444.

245

A

I

1172

6

↑↓

 

Ref: BM

RR

3.340

445a.

245

A

I

1172

6

↑↑

Ste, Bombay (same specimen), Noon

Described as mint specimen. Baldwin (2008), sale 54, lot 183

RRR

3.341

442.

-

A

I

1177

6

↑↑

Noon

Ref: Puddester

RRR

3.342

444c.

-

A

I

No date

6

 

HC,  Dinyar Maddon (via HC)

Decorative dots can vary. See  photos

RRR

3.343

445.

246

B

II

1172

2

↑↑

Ste, Noble, Noon

 

RR

3.344

446.

247

Rupee

-

-

1172

6

Ste, Spink, Noon

 

2,144,806

R

3.345

447.

247

-

-

1172

6

↑↓

Ste

 

RR

3.346

447c.

-

Copper uniface Rupee

-

-

1172

-

-

Bald

RRR

3.347

447e.

-

8 reales overstruck with rupee die

-

-

 

-

-

Ste

 

RRR

3.348

448.

248

Half Rupee

-

-

1172

6

↑↑

Ste, Noon

 

108,180

R

3.349

449.

-

Proof Half Rupee

-

-

1172

6

↑↑

 

Ref: BM

RRR

 

Obverse Varieties for Double Rupee

Decorative Dots

There may or may not be decorative dots on the obverse. The number and position of these dots vary.

 

 

A

B

Decorative Dots

Yes

No

 

Reverse Varieties for Double Rupee

Decorative Dots

There may or may not be decorative dots on the reverse. The number and position of these dots vary.

 

 

I

II

Decorative Dots

Yes

No

NB. Reverse III has been deleted because more specimens have become available showing that differences in arrangement of dot groups occur on almost every specimen.

 

Madras Mint – Reformation – Silver, Quarter & Eighth Rupee 1807

 

sikka bādshāh ‘ālamgīr. 1172. (= Coin of the Emperor. ‘Ālamgīr). 1172. All within a plain border.

ẓarb arkāt sanah [RY] (= Struck at Arkot in the [RY] year). All within a plain border

 

 

Quarter Rupee

Eighth Rupee

Official Weight (g)

3.02

1.51

Actual Weight (g)

2.99-3.05

1.54

Actual Diameter (mm)

16.5-17.2

16.4-16.8

Composition

Silver

Edge

Grained Right

 

Catalogue

Cat No.

Photo Link

Pr No.

Denomination

AH

RY

Axis

Provenance

Comments

Mintage

Rarity

3.350

450.

249

Quarter Rupee

1172

6

↑↑

Ste

 

18,216

RRR

3.351

451.

250

Eighth Rupee

1172

6

Ste

 

20,046

RRR

 

Madras Mint – Reformation – Silver, Four Annas 1808

 

(= Chahar ana rupiya = Four annas of a rupee)

(Tamil = Nalu ana, Telugu = Nalugu analu = Four annas)

The value in Persian within a buckled garter. On the garter is the value in English.

FOUR ANNAS

All within a beaded border.

The value in Telugu in two lines separated by a bead surrounded by a ribbon, the ends of which are separated by a star. On the ribbon is the value in Tamil..

 

Official Weight (g)

2.97

Actual Weight (g)

2.74-2.96

Actual Diameter (mm)

16.4-17.2

Composition

Silver

Edge

Grained Right

Mintage

165,712

Axis

↑↑

 

Catalogue

Cat No.

Photo Link

Pr. No.

Obv

Provenance

Comments

Rarity

3.352

452.

305

A

Ste, RJ, Noon

The tail of the left letter in the outer Tamil legend on the reverse points inward or outward.

RRR

3.353

453.

306

B

Ste, RJ, HC, Noon

 

RR

 

Obverse Varieties

Stops in Legend

There may be no stop in the English legend, or there may be a centre stop between the two words.

 

 

A

B

Stops in Legend

None

Centre

 

Madras Mint – Reformation – Silver, Two Annas 1807

 

 

 

 

Actual Weight (g)

1.41-1.56

Actual Diameter (mm)

15.8-16.5

Composition

Silver

Edge

Grained Right

Axis

Varies. See below

 

Catalogue

Cat No.

Photo Link

Pr No.

Axis

Provenance

Comments

Rarity

3.354

454.

309

↑↓

Ste, Tody, Noon

Originally described as ‘possibly a pattern’, but now believed to be a small issue in 1807

RR

3.354A

454c.

309

↑↑

Ste, RJ

RR

 

Madras Mint – Reformation – Silver, Two Annas 1808

 

The value in Persian within a buckled garter. On the garter is the value in English.

TWO ANNAS

All within a beaded border. (Persian = Do ana rupiya = Two annas of a rupee)

The value in Telugu in two lines separated by a bead surrounded by a ribbon, the ends of which are separated by a star. On the ribbon is the value in Tamil. All within a beaded border. (Tamil = Irantu ana, Telugu = Renddu analu = Two annas).

 

Official Weight (g)

1.48

Actual Weight (g)

1.42-1.51

Actual Diameter (mm)

16.1-16.8

Composition

Silver

Edge

Grained Right

Mintage

64,558

 

Catalogue

Cat No.

Photo Link

Pr No.

Obv

Rev

Axis

Provenance

Comments

Rarity

3.355

455.

307

B

II

↑↑

Ste, RJ, Marudhar, Noon

 

RR

3.356

456.

308

B

III

Noon

 

RRR

3.357

457.

-

C

II

Ste

 

RR

 

Obverse Varieties

Stop in Legend

There may or may not be a stop in the legend.

 

 

B

C

Stop in Legend

None

Present

 

Reverse Varieties

Star

There may or may not be a star separating the ends of the ribbon.

 

 

II

III

Star

Yes

No

 

Madras Mint – Reformation – Copper, Two Dubs 1807-1808

 

A Persian Inscription in four lines: do falūs Hanarabal Kampini isavi 1807 (= Two falūs of the Honourable Company. Christian year 1807).

The value in Telugu in three lines within a plain circle. Around this is the value in Tamil. All within another plain circle. (Telugu = Kampini varuvesana renddu dabbulu, Tamil = Kumpini yarapotta irantu dabbu = Honourable Company, two dubs).

 

Official Weight (g)

20.61

Actual Weight (g)

20.69-22.13

Actual Diameter (mm)

39.9-40.3

Composition

Copper

Edge

Plain

Axis

↑↓

 

Catalogue

Cat No.

Photo Link

Pr No.

Provenance

Comments

Rarity

3.358

458.

327

Ste, Noon, Bald

There appear to be two obv varieties – one with the bottom of the Persian legend reaching almost to the rim of the coin, and one with it somewhat shorter (R. Weir). Because of the rarity of these coins, insufficient specimens have been examined to catalogue these as different varieties

RRR

 

Madras Mint – Reformation – Copper, Dub 1807-1808, Type 1

 

A Persian Inscription in four lines: Falūs Hanarabal Kampani isavi 1807 = Falūs of the honourable Company. Christian year 1807. All within a toothed rim.

The value in Telugu in three lines. Within a toothed rim. (Telugu = Kampini varuvesana dabbulu = Honourable Company, dub). All within a toothed rim.

 

Official Weight (g)

10.31

Actual Weight (g)

9.88-11.57

Actual Diameter (mm)

26.4-27.9

Composition

Copper

Edge

Plain

Axis

Varies. See below

 

Catalogue

Cat No.

Photo Link

Pr. No.

Axis

Provenance

Comments

Rarity

3.359

459.

328

↑↑

Ste,

 

RR

3.359A

459e.

328

↑↓

Bald, Noon

 

RR

 

Described as mint specimen set St 3.359, 3.362, 3.365 (Noonan 8th Feb ’23 (Puddester), lot 294)

 

Madras Mint – Reformation – Copper, Dub 1807-1808, Type 2

This coin appears to use an obverse design similar to the dub shown above and the reverse design similar to the half dub shown below. Only one specimen has been seen so far.

 

The Inscription in four lines: Falūs Hanarabal Kampani isavi 1807 = Falūs of the honourable Company. Christian year 1807. All within a toothed rim.

The value in Telugu in three lines within a plain circle. Around this is the value in Tamil. All within another plain circle. (Telugu = Kampini varuvesana dabbu, Tamil = Kumpini yarapotta dabbu = Honourable Company, dub).

 

Official Weight (g)

10.31

Actual Weight (g)

10.57

Actual Diameter (mm)

~26

Composition

Copper

Edge

Plain

Axis

↑↑

 

Catalogue

Cat No.

Photo Link

Pr. No.

Provenance

Comments

Rarity

3.360

459c.

-

Bald

 

RRR

 

Madras Mint – Reformation – Copper, Half Dub 1807 to 1808

 

A Persian Inscription in four lines: Nim falūs Hanarabal Kampani isavi 1807 = Half falūs of the honourable Company. Christian year 1807

The value in Telugu in three lines within a plain circle. Around this is the value in Tamil. All within another plain circle. (Telugu = Kampini varuvesana Ara dabbu, Tamil = Kumpini yarapotta Arai dabbu = Honourable Company, half dub).

 

Official Weight (g)

5.15

Actual Weight (g)

4.94-5.25

Actual Diameter (mm)

21.6-22.3

Composition

Copper

Edge

Plain

Axis

Varies. See below

 

Catalogue

Cat No.

Photo Link

Pr. No.

Obv

Axis

Provenance

Comments

Rarity

3.361

461.

329

A

↑↑

Noon

Ref: BM. Large and small date varieties (R. Weir)

R

3.362

460.

329

A

↑↓

Ste, Bald, Noon

Large and small date varieties (R. Weir)

S

3.363

462.

330

B

↑↓

Ste

 

R

 

Obverse Varieties

Date

The date may be correct (1807) or incorrect (7107).

 

 

A

B

Date

Correct

Incorrect

 

Madras Mint – Reformation – Copper, Quarter Dub 1807 to 1808

 

The value in Telugu. Telugu = Kampini varuvesana kal dabbu = Honourable Company quarter dub.

The value in Tamil in three lines. (Tamil = Kumpini yarapotta kal dabbu = Honourable Company, quarter dub).

 

Official Weight (g)

2.57

Actual Weight (g)

2.52-2.68

Actual Diameter (mm)

16.2-16.8

Composition

Copper

Edge

Plain

Axis

Varies. See below

 

Catalogue

Cat No.

Photo Link

Pr. No.

Axis

Provenance

Comments

Rarity

3.364

463.

331

↑↑

RJ

R

3.365

464.

331

↑↓

Ste, Bald, Noon

 

S

 

Madras Mint – Reformation – Copper, Regulating Dub 1807 to 1808

 

A Persian Inscription in four lines: In Sikka Hanarabal Kampani seh falūs yek falam-i-Khurd ast. Isavi 1807 = this coin of the Honourable Company and three falūs are one small fanam. Christian year 1807.

The value in Telugu in five lines within a plain circle. Around this is the value in Tamil. All within another plain circle. (Telugu = idi nara mudu kadta dabbulu numera cinara ruku, Tamil = idu ammunu pudu dabbum oru sinna panam = this and three new dubs are one small fanam.

 

Official Weight (g)

7.56

Actual Weight (g)

7.40-7.61

Actual Diameter (mm)

26.4-26.8

Composition

Copper

Edge

Plain

Axis

Varies. See below

 

Catalogue

Cat No.

Photo Link

Pr. No.

Axis

Provenance

Comments

Rarity

3.366

465.

336

↑↓

Ste, HC, Noon

 

S

3.367

466.

336

↑↑

HC

Ref: Kaslove

S

 

Madras Mint – Reformation – Copper, Two Dubs 1808 to 1812

 

A Persian Inscription in four lines: Do falūs Hanarabal Kampani isavi 1808 = Two falūs of the honourable Company. Christian year 1808

The value in Telugu in three lines. The value in English below. Within a toothed rim. (Telugu = Kampani varuvesana renddu dabbulu = Honourable Company, two dubs).

 

Official Weight (g)

20.61

Actual Weight (g)

19.69

Actual Diameter (mm)

36.0

Composition

Copper

Edge

Plain

Axis

↑↑

 

Catalogue

Cat No.

Photo Link

Pr. No.

Provenance

Comments

Rarity

3.368

467.

332

Pr.

Not sold in last 40 years. BM has an example, as has at least one private collector.

RRR

 

Photos from Girish Veera via S. Bhandare

These are all fakes

 

Madras Mint – Reformation – Copper, Dub 1808 to 1812

 

A Persian Inscription in four lines: Falūs Hanarabal Kampani isavi 1808 = Falūs of the honourable Company. Christian year 1808

The value in Telugu in three lines. The value in English below. Within a toothed rim. (Telugu = Kampini varuvesana dabbulu = Honourable Company, dub).

 

Official Weight (g)

10.31

Actual Weight (g)

9.55-10.46

Actual Diameter (mm)

Varies. See table below

Composition

Copper

Edge

Plain

Axis

↑↑

 

Catalogue

Cat No.

Photo Link

Pr. No.

Actual Diam (mm)

Provenance

Comments

Rarity

3.369

468.

333

26.7-27.0

RJ, Noon

Large flan variety. Occurs with large and small dates

RR

3.370

469.

334

20.9-24.3

Ste, Noon

Small flan variety. Also occurs with large and small dates (R. Weir)

R

 

Madras Mint – Reformation – Copper, Half Dub 1808 to 1812

 

Madras 149 Half Dub 1808 Large Date Obv

Madras 150 Half Dub 1808 Large Date Rev

A Persian Inscription in four lines: Nim falūs Hanarabal Kampani isavi 1808 = Half falūs of the honourable Company. Christian year 1808

The value in Telugu in three lines. The value in English below. Within a toothed rim. (Telugu = Kampini varuvesana Ara dabbu = Honourable Company, half dub).

 

Official Weight (g)

5.15

Actual Weight (g)

4.61-5.36

Actual Diameter (mm)

25.8-28.1

Composition

Copper

Edge

Plain

Axis

↑↑

 

Catalogue

Cat No.

Photo Link

Pr. No.

Obv

Provenance

Comments

Rarity

3.371

470.

335

A

Ste, Noon

 

S

3.372

471.

335

B

Ste, Noon, Murali Thantry

 

S

 

Obverse Varieties

Date Size

The date may be large or small.

 

 

A

B

Date Size

Small

Large

 

Madras Mint – Reformation – Copper, Regulating Dub 1808 to 1812

 

A Persian Inscription in four lines: In Sikka Hanarabal Kampani seh falūs yek falam-i-Khurd ast. Isavi 1808 = this coin of the Honourable Company and three falūs is one small fanam. Christian year 1808

The value in Telugu in five lines within a plain circle. Around this is the value in Tamil. All within another plain circle. (Telugu = idi nara mudu kadta dabbulu numera cinara ruku, Tamil = idu ammunu pudu dabbum oru sinna panam = This and three new dubs are one small fanam

 

Official Weight (g)

7.56

Actual Weight (g)

6.87-7.65

Actual Diameter (mm)

26.5-27.0

Composition

Copper

Edge

Plain

Axis

↑↑

 

Catalogue

Cat No.

Photo Link

Pr. No.

Provenance

Comments

Rarity

3.373

472.

337

Ste, RJ

 

RRR

 

 

/I