Studying the coinage of India is fascinating and challenging at the same time because of its expansive scope and time-range. Today, we will explore three rare copper coins that were issued during three different periods namely, ancient, medieval and colonial. Copper Daler of Chandragupta II These extremely rare ancient coins of India were issued under the reign of Chandragupta II. Chandragupta II was also known as Vikramaditya. He is considered to be the greatest emperor of Gupta Empire who ruled from 375 AD to 415 AD. This copper Daler weighs around 2 to 3 grams and their diameter varies from 19 to 23 millimetres. It belongs to the Bust Type series and is categorised as var. c and var. D. Depending on the visibility of legends, the variations can be identified. They were produced using the die-struck minting technique depicting the king’s portrait, necklace, garuda, altar and snake. The obverse side depicts the king’s bust to the left, wearing a necklace, holding flower in his right hand. The reverse side shows a Garuda standing on an altar in variety C holding a snake in mouth within a dotted border. The Legend reads "Chandraguptah" in variety D without an altar. Another legend reads "shrichandraguptaha" Copper Jital of Vijayanagara Empire Here’s another example of a very rare Indian coin issued during the medieval period under the rule of Devaraya I from Vijayanagara – Sangama Empire. This Copper Jital weighs 3.5 grams and belongs to the Legend Type series. These coins in India were Die-Struck featuring Devanagari legends along with Conch and Discus symbols. The obverse side features a Devanagari legend that reads "Sri Pra/ ta pa" in two lines, while the reverse side depicts the legend "Deva/ Raya" in two lines flanked by Discus and Conch symbols. 1/2 Pice Copper Coin of British India This is another extremely rare copper coin of India that was issued under Victoria Queen in 1862. This 1/2 Pice copper coin weighs 3.25 grams and has a diameter of 21.25 millimetres. They were die-struck at Calcutta mint and can be found in Proof, restrike and glossy finish. The obverse side of this historic coin in India depicts a portrait of Queen Victoria wearing a crown and robe facing left, along with the legend VICTORIA QUEEN. The reverse side depicts the texts 1/2 / PICE / INDIA / 1862, all enclosed inside a scrollwork with oak leaves and a circle of beads. Keep exploring the depths of the history of coins in India, until you discover unknown gems like these!
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AuthorPassionate collector of coins, banknotes & stamps who loves researching about ancient, medieval & modern Indian history! Archives
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