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 Replies: 7 / Views: 1,287 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
6130 Posts |
A while ago, I bought a few of these fun little gold coins, more for novelty than anything. Didn't give them a whole lot of thought, but I would like to be able to attribute them as much as possible. Most resources I have found on 16th-19th century Indian coins either don't go deep enough, or go into such depth that it's hard to find anything. To complicate matters, most of these are anepigraphic with abstract imagery that hasn't been deciphered, so they are almost impossible to search. Anyone know of a more simple guide?
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
5244 Posts |
Just to complicate things, there are jewellers copies, too. I have a bunch but I think that they were misattributed.
I am not aware of a simple reference.
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
6130 Posts |
I've heard numerous theories about the "copies".
I have seen some fanams set in earrings or necklaces, so a jewler's copy would make sense.
I have also heard that in the 50s and 60s, a bunch of fanam dies came to light, and enterprising individuals melted down their jewelry and soverigns to "re-strike" them.
That's why I pay as close to melt as possible for these!
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1812 Posts |
About 15 years ago I would purchase error coins in 1,000 coin lots from a seller in India.. Being one of his better customers and receiving a few thousand of the better error coins, the seller offered me some Fanams from the 1700's for around $4.00 each, that I could sell for around $7.00 each.. I tested the Gold Content with my Electronic Gold Tester, and every piece tested at 14kt.. The Lincoln Cent is shown for size comparison, and the Fanams differ in weight, diameter and thickness..  |
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Pillar of the Community
India
1995 Posts |
I think that your collection has Vijayanagara, Dutch India and probably some other Princely state coins also. Barbara Mears has done extensive study on this. Beena Sarasan also has brought out books on this topic. I am attaching a link to a picture. It might give a lead to proceed. http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/..._695738f.jpgEdited by drnsreedhar
10/12/2016 12:57 pm
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Moderator
 United States
34418 Posts |
"If you climb a good tree, you get a push."
-----Ghanaian proverb
"The danger we all now face is distinguishing between what is authentic and what is performed."
-----King Adz
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Pillar of the Community
India
1995 Posts |
Yes Spence, you are right.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
6130 Posts |
Finally got around to imaging some of mine:   Not in the picture is a Kali type from Dutch India... Haven't taken it out of the 2x2. Largest in the picture (top left) is about 11mm, smallest beneath it is 5mm. All weigh .3-.4 grams so none of them are fractionals. |
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Replies: 7 / Views: 1,287 |
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Posted 10/11/2016 10:31 pm
