Earli India Southern and Sri Lanka Raja Chola coin

Discussion in 'What's it Worth' started by Ray Harrison, Sep 25, 2014.

  1. Ray Harrison

    Ray Harrison New Member

    I have come across a coin made of copper by the look of things, showing the leader of the Chola dynasty Rajaraja Chola I.
    The coin is about 8mm in diameter and I think it dates from around 1000AD, but I would dearly love to learn more about this coin, regarding the depictions on both sides, a more accurate date analysis and potentially it's value.
     

    Attached Files:

    spirityoda likes this.
  2. Avatar

    Guest User Guest



    to hide this ad.
  3. THCoins

    THCoins Well-Known Member

    Are you sure about the 8mm ? For that's a bit small for these.
     
  4. scottishmoney

    scottishmoney Buh bye

    I have one of them and I recall it being about 13-14mm or so.
     
  5. Ray Harrison

    Ray Harrison New Member

    I got it wrong it's 17mm in diameter
     
  6. THCoins

    THCoins Well-Known Member

    That's a more logical size for a copper Kasu (denomination) of Raja Raja Chola.
    Raja Raja Chola invaded Ceylon around 990 AD. There he copied the indigenous gold Kahavanu coin type issued by the former Singhalese king. Over later years these coins were produced from copper both on ceylon and on the Indian southern mainland.
    Your first picture is often called the "octopus man" but is more likely a depiction of the king standing, or possibly sitting in a throne. In his right hand he holds a lamp (that's the thing that looks like a desert cactus). In his other hand there can be various objects like a conch or lotus flower. This is off flan here. On the right of the coin next to the king there is a pile of balls. When above these balls, next to the arm of the king there is another ball, then it is a sri lankan issue. If there is a moon it is a mainland type. Here this part is off flan. But this is likely a mainland type.
    The other side shows the king with his legs bent below him. He holds an object in front of his face. To the right is Raja Raja in two lines. The "Ra" is the character shaped like a greek Pi character below his elbow.
    Despite being so old these coins are not rare, nor much sought by collectors. So the financial value is limited to about 5 to 10 dollars in this condition. So for a few dollars you can hold a lot of history in your hands !
     
Draft saved Draft deleted

Share This Page