Madras Presidency ½ Pagoda, 1808 – 1812

½ Pagoda from Madras Presidency. Issued from 1808 to 1812. Struck in Silver. Measures 35.5 mm and weighs 21.17 g.

Obverse

Forked ribbon with Tamil & Telugu legends surrounding a figure of Vishnu holding a sword in his left hand, separated by a star. Dotted and other symbols on his sides and a lotus flower below - all surrounded by a double circle of beads Legend on ribbon: Tamil - Arai Boo Varagaana Telugu - Ara Pu Varahani (Half of a flower, or star pagoda. 'Varahan' (boar) was the name for a gold pagoda)

Reverse

Legend in English and Persian on buckled garter belt surrounding a seven tiered temple gopuram (ornate tower). Legend in English: Half Pagoda Legend in Persian: Nim hun phuli (Half flower pagoda)

Edge

Oblique milled, grained right ////