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Lot No.684
AUC09
Independent Kingdoms
Auction Date: 18-08-2012
Silver
Maratha Confederacy, Chhatrapati Shivaji (1674-1680), Silver 1/5th Rupee of 'Velli Fanam', southern type possibly minted at Gingee either during Shivaji's lifetime or by one of his successors during the Mughal-Maratha war of 1689-1700, 2.39g. Obv: Devanagari legend in three lines Sri / Raja / Seeva, Rev: Devnagari legend in two lines Chhatra / Pati.
Extremely Fine, Extremely Rare.
Coins of this type were unknown till recent times and therefore do not find mention in K K Maheshwari & Ken Wiggins' 'Maratha Mints and Coinage'. It is possible that 'Velli' (= silver in Tamil) Fanams were struck by the Marathas is response to provide a coinage that bridges the South Indian 'Hon/Fanam'-based system with the North Indian 'rupee'-based system. The three prominent 'dots' that appear above 'Chhatra' is probably a mint-makr for Gingee as the fort complex there is composed of three fortresses. This coin has 'Seev' in the obverse legend, as against 'Shiva' which is a much rarer variety.
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Estimated Price :
Rs. 2,50,000-3,00,000
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