INDIA, Colonial. British India. Madras Presidency. 1653-1835. AR Half Pagoda (36.5mm, 21.27 g, 12h). Second issue. Madras mint. Struck 1808-1812. Gōpuram (temple porch or entrance) set on ground; nine stars to left, nine to right; all within buckled garter inscribed HALF PAGODA and nim hun phuli (half a flower, or star, pagoda) in Persian / Vishnu, holding sword in hand, standing facing, rising from lotus; floral and pellet design to left and right; all surrounded by triple-pelleted border; star above; all within swallowtail banner inscribed arai pu vara kun in Tamil and ara pu vara hun (half a flower, or star, pagoda) in Telegu; no stop in legend. CEEIC 3.124 (dies J/VIII); Pridmore 171A; KM 353. In NGC encapsulation 6924407-011, graded AU 53.
From the Alexander Christopher Collection.
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