A Hoysala-era gold coin depicting Lord Rama, and said to be among the ‘highest rarities’ in the numismatic world with no known public records outside literary references so far, is among rare coins from the Hoysala, Western Chalukya, Chola and Mughal eras is going under the hammer in Bengaluru on January 6.

Among them is the 12^th century ‘exceptionally rare’ gold coin weighing 4 gm, minted to celebrate Vishnuvardhana’s (Bittideva) conquest of Nolambavadi region (parts of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh). The coin has Kannada legend in three lines that states ‘Conqueror of Nolamba country’.

According to Mardudhar Arts, an ASI -licensed Bengaluru-based auction house, the coin celebrates the spiritual, cultural, and military legacy of one of south India’s greatest rulers.

A 10th century Gold Varaha coin with caparisoned boar, temple and Kannada legend, which was minted during the tenure of Jayasmiha II of Western Chalukyas of Kalayani, is among the rare coins which will be auctioned in Bengaluru. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Classified as ‘exceptionally rare’, a 10^th century Gold Varaha coin with caparisoned boar, temple and Kannada legend was minted during the tenure of Jayasmiha II of Western Chalukyas of Kalyani. The coin depicts a four-petalled flower within a doorway that signifies prosperity while a Garuda figure above the temple may represent divine protection, according to the auction house. The Varaha, with its intricate design and impeccable condition, offers ‘insights into the political, cultural, and artistic landscape of the Deccan during the 10^th AD’.

Rare Chola coin

Another ‘exceedingly rare’ 4.32 gm gold Kahavanu coin (a medieval currency from Sri Lanka) of Rajendra Chola I of Chola Empire with Nagari legend ‘Sri Rajendra’ is part of the auction.

“The king’s standing and seated postures are rendered with exceptional clarity, capturing the regality and divine association of the Chola rulers. The use of Devanagari script highlights the cultural inclusivity of the Chola Empire, which extended its influence across linguistic and geographic boundaries,” auction house head Rajendra Maru said. The coin was likely issued to commemorate Rajendra’s military successes, or as a ceremonial piece. Fewer than five examples of this variant are known to exist. Its exceptional quality and high-relief strike place it among the finest specimens ever offered, he added.

According to the auction house, Gold Kahavanu were more than monetary instruments and were political statements, and also underscore the Cholas’ far-reaching trade networks, as their gold coinage was widely recognised and circulated across South and Southeast Asia, influencing local economies and cultures.

Of little-known Dawar Baksh

In the Mughal history, Dawar Baksh, the grandson of Jahangir, was Emperor of India for less than three months in 1627-1628, before he was killed in the succession battle by Shah Jahan. During his brief reign, silver rupee was minted in Lahore. Considered ‘extraordinary rarity’, there are fewer than 10 known Dawar Bakhsh coins.

A silver rupee minted in Lahore when Dawar Baksh, the grandson of Jahangir, was emperor of India will be kept for auction in Bengaluru. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

The specimen going under the hammer boasts a fully legible inscription, clear margins, and only a minor test mark, the auction house said. It was possibly minted during the interlude between Dawar Bakhsh’s enthronement at Bhimbar (in Pakistan) on November 7, 1627 and his reign coming to an end on January 27, 1628. This transitional phase is reflected in the coin’s unique inscriptions.

Coin from Elahi calendar series

Another extremely rare silver rupee coin minted at Agra by Akbar as part of Elahi calendar series that he introduced in 1584 C.E., with the Mughal tradition of eight-petalled lotus, is also being auctioned.

A silver rupee coin minted at Agra by Akbar as part of Elahi calendar series, that he introduced in 1584 C.E., with the Mughal tradition of eight-petalled lotus is among the rare coins which will be auctioned in Bengaluru. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

According to the auction house, the Elahi calendar marked a significant departure from traditional Islamic dating systems, aligning with Akbar’s vision of fostering a more inclusive and secular administration. Coins like this one were not merely monetary instruments but also carriers of Akbar’s progressive ideals. The integration of Zoroastrian, Islamic, and Indian symbols reflects the cosmopolitan ethos of Akbar’s reign.