1 Kasu - Ganesha/Lakshmi type

Historical Context: The 1 Kasu coin, dated to 1400 CE, was issued by the Kongu Chera dynasty, a significant regional power in South India. By the 15th century, the Cheras, though ancient, operated within an increasingly complex political landscape, often influenced by the rising Vijayanagara Empire. The issuance of this copper coinage underscores their continued autonomy and economic stability in the Kongu region. The Ganesha/Lakshmi type reflects the pervasive Hindu religious ethos of the era, invoking auspiciousness and prosperity for the kingdom and its populace.

Artistry: The anonymous engraver of this coin worked within the established South Indian numismatic tradition, drawing heavily from contemporary temple art and iconography. The obverse prominently features Ganesha, the elephant-headed deity, revered as the remover of obstacles. The reverse depicts Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, often shown seated or standing with lotuses. The stylistic approach is characteristic of small copper issues: simplified, yet recognizable forms, often rendered in low relief, reflecting the practical constraints of the medium and production methods.

Technical/Grading: Struck on a copper flan weighing 5.24 grams and measuring 13.20 mm, this 1 Kasu coin typically exhibits variability in strike quality. Key high-points for Ganesha include his trunk and ears, while for Lakshmi, her headdress and lotus often show the earliest signs of wear or weak strike. Common technical characteristics include minor off-centering, incomplete design elements, and occasional flan irregularities. A well-preserved example would display clear, albeit simplified, details of both deities, with minimal wear to the highest points of the design.