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Auction: 21117 - Indian, Islamic and World Coins e-Auction
Lot: 4443

Sri Lanka (Ceylon), Anonymous (c.960-1214), gold Kahavanu, 4.45g, type I (a) 'Sun and Moon', standing figure of Ceylon style, palm tree and lamp stand under arm in left field, crescent and similar tree above arm in right field, four annulets below right, beneath feet a line of beads connecting a conch left and a flower bud right, rev. figure seated right on an asana (low throne), holding a ball within a crescent right (sun and moon), Devanagari legend in right field Sri Lamka Vibhu (fortunate lord of Sri Lanka) (Codrington 45; Mitchiner, Southern India, part 2, -), edge filed, extremely fine, rare

As these coins are classified by Codrington as 'type 1' they may have been struck in the late 10th century, prior to Raja Raja's invasion of Ceylon. The figures, although crude, seem more refined than those found on other coins with the same legend.
The metallic composition of this particular coin is uncertain, although XRF tests of similar type I coins have shown they contain approximately 66% of gold, around 30% of silver and a tiny amount of copper.

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Sold for
£850

Starting price
£180