One of the most unusual coins minted.. Medieval India gold fanam

Medieval India. Shilaharas of Karahad. Feudatories of the Chalukyas. Circa 8-13th century AD.

U-shaped gold fanam. 3 punchmarks. Cross legged human figure on apex or centre between 2 prongs; dagger symbol and Kannada "Shri" character on left and another incomplete Kannada character on the right. Extremely rare in about uncirculated and undamaged condition.

Though tiny, it is one of the few highly unusual coin designs in my collection. It was suspected that they were gold wires cut into precise weightage and stamped for authority. Whilst larger denominations exist, only these fanam bear the unusual shape.

The Shilahara Dynasty (also Shilahara, Sinhara, Shailahara, Shrilara, and Silara) was a royal clan that established itself in northern and southern Konkan, present-day Mumbai and southern Maharashtra. Split into 3 branches during its existence, they were finally overwhelmed by the Chalukyas around the 13th century.

 

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Interesting. Thank U for sharing!

 

Thanks @paddyman98 .. it's been awhile since I last visited and posted

 

@Loong Siew that is a VERY interesting coin! Gold Wire Money! How much gold is there? Perhaps 0.2g? That really interests me. I have not captured any Fanam yet, but this type looks like a very interesting target!

 

Never seen a fanam like that, neat.

 

Thanks @Alegandron .. it is tiny and weighs only 0.7g.. most fanam are round.. only these are characteristically U shaped..

 

Neither have I until recently.. given their rarity and the lack of prominence of the the Shaliharas, most wouldn't know..

 

Never seen them before, but they bear a certain resemblance to Chinese bronze imitation cowries.

 

Not as ancient.. the only other closely similar shaped coin I can relate to are the Kokku Ridhi or Ceylonese “fish hook” Larins

 

I know they are completely unassociated, but if you add some metal to close it off it would really look like a cowrie.

 

Perhaps in some way

 

Always enjoy your posts @Loong Siew even though it's outside my collecting area!

 

Thanks @Jwt708 .. unfortunately I lack the focus and specialisation as you guys.. I'm a bit of a back of all trades.. haha

 

Well, I'm a generalist just haven't gone very far East...or that late.