Catalog
| Issuer | Nawabdom of the Carnatic (Indian Hindu Dynasties) |
|---|---|
| Year | 1760-1801 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 1 Cash (1⁄448) |
| Currency | Rupee (1690-1801) |
| Composition | Copper |
| Weight | |
| Diameter | 12 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) |
| Obverse description | Deity (Lord Murugan) on top of bird facing left |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | |
| Obverse lettering | |
| Reverse description | Walajah in Persian language |
| Reverse script | |
| Reverse lettering | |
| Edge | |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
ND (1760-1801) - - |
| Numisquare ID | 1625583350 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: This 1 Cash copper coin originates from the Nawabdom of the Carnatic, a pivotal South Indian state during the turbulent 1760-1801 period. Rulers like Muhammad Ali Khan Wallajah (1749-1795) and Umdat ul-Umara (1795-1801) navigated complex alliances amidst Anglo-French and Anglo-Mysore conflicts. This coinage reflects increasing British East India Company influence, culminating in the Nawabdom's 1801 annexation, a critical transition in regional history.
Artistry: Specific engravers for such utilitarian copper coinage are rarely identified; production occurred in regional mint workshops. The stylistic school blends indigenous South Indian numismatic traditions, often incorporating Persian script from courtly influences, alongside local Tamil or Telugu characters. Designs on these small (12mm) copper pieces were typically minimalistic, featuring rudimentary legends or a mint mark, reflecting mass-produced currency for daily transactions rather than intricate artistry.
Technical/Grading: Technical execution of these 1 Cash coins shows considerable variability. High-points, vital for wear assessment, typically reside on the central legend's most raised portions or prominent symbols. Rapid production and crude planchets often resulted in off-center strikes, weak impressions, and planchet irregularities. A well-struck example, displaying full, clear legends on a relatively round flan, is exceptional for this type, given the inherent challenges of striking such small copper coinage.