BENGALURU: Collection of rare gold, silver coins, banknotes and medals will go under the hammer in the city.Over 500 treasured pieces including silver double rupee of Tipu Sultan, from Todywalla Auctions,
will be up for bidding at Shikshakara Sadan, KG Road on July 29. Here’s a look
Gold Gadyana
Dynasty: Western Chalukyas or feudatories
(c. 1000 -AD)
What it looks like: (Face) Shaivite temple with pillars, Vimana and Shikhara clearly visible. There are two banners and two temple lamps flanking it. (Reverse) Floral scroll unravels from a Sankha shell with Hale-Kannada inscription in the middle which begins with “Punya”.
History: From 9th to 12th Century, Shaivism dominated the political landscape in India. This is reflected in the choice of the depiction of a Shaivite temple on this coin. The Sankha is always associated with munifiscence and plenitude. The legend most likely refers to the merit accrued by the issuer who might have been associated with building the temple.
Estimate cost: Rs 4,00,000 - Rs 5,00,000
Gold Dinar
Dynasty: Guptas, Samudragupta
What it looks like: (Face) Emperor Chandragupta-I with Queen Kumaradevi. King nimbate wearing a short tunic is seen offering flower to Queen Kumaradevi with his right hand, and crescent (to Chandragupta) above. Legend Kumaradevi Shri on the left and legend Chandra Gupta on the right are flanking the standard. (Reverse) Nimbate Goddess Durga seated on a lion holding cornucopia and pasha with legend Lichhavyah.
History: It is a ‘King and Queen’ type of a coin. It was issued in the memory of Samudragupta’s parents. It commemorates the marriage alliance of Chandragupta-I with the Lichhavi tribe of Nepal area.
Estimate cost: Rs 3,50,000 - Rs 4,00,000
Silver Double Rupee
Dynasty: Tipu Sultan
Features: Patan Mint, The digit ‘1’ in centre has an extra vertical line, Hence hence the date AM 1218 appears to be 1288. It shows a plain field without rosettes.
Estimate cost: Rs 2,50,000 - Rs 2,75,000
George V, Rupee 1
Origins: Second issue, 1935
Features: Signed by J W Kelly
Estimate cost:INR Rs 3,000 - Rs 4,000
Rupees 10
Origins: 1949
Features: Signed by C D Deshmukh
Estimate cost:Rs 15,000 - Rs 20,000