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1/2 Pagoda - Krishnadeva Raya
| Issuer | Vijayanagara, Empire of |
|---|---|
| Year | 1509-1529 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
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| Reverse description | Three-line Nagari (Devanagari) legend arranged horizontally across the coin's field, contained within a rectangular panel with a beaded or linear border above and below, characteristic of Vijayanagara gold pagoda reverses. The inscription reads 'Sri Pratap Krishna Raya', referencing the regnal title and name of Emperor Krishnadeva Raya. The lettering is boldly struck in raised relief against a plain field, with the text occupying the full width of the flan. |
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| Reverse lettering | Sri Pra / tap Krishna / Raya |
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| Additional information |
Krishnadeva Raya is widely regarded as the most capable ruler the Vijayanagara Empire produced — his reign coincided with the empire's greatest territorial reach, extending across much of the Deccan and into Odisha following his 1514 campaign. Portuguese traveler Domingo Paes, who visited the capital Hampi during this period, described the city as larger than Rome and its markets as abundant with gold coinage of exactly this type.
The half pagoda denomination circulated actively in a monetized economy that impressed every foreign observer who recorded it. Mitch NI#899 is a recognized type within a series notorious for die inconsistency and variable flan preparation.