1 Kasu - Nayakas of Gingee

Historical Context: This 1 Kasu copper coin was issued by the Nayakas of Gingee, a powerful feudatory state under the Vijayanagara Empire, between 1578 and 1655. During this period, the Nayakas exercised considerable autonomy, minting their own currency to facilitate local commerce and assert regional authority. Gingee, a strategic fortress, issued coinage reflecting its economic vitality and administrative independence within a fragmented South India, particularly following the decline of central Vijayanagara power after Talikota.

Artistry: The engraver of this 1 Kasu remains anonymous, typical for medieval Indian numismatics. The coin adheres to the established South Indian tradition, heavily influenced by the broader Vijayanagara stylistic school. Due to its small 15mm diameter, the design is compact, often featuring a stylized standing deity on the obverse, such as Vishnu or Shiva, or an animal motif like a bull. The reverse typically carries a simple legend in Grantha or Telugu script, indicating the ruler or mint, or a basic symbol.

Technical/Grading: Struck on a 3.18 gram copper flan, this 1 Kasu often exhibits characteristics typical of contemporary regional minting practices. High-points susceptible to wear include raised features of any depicted deity or the uppermost portions of the legend. Technical strike qualities frequently include irregular flan shapes, off-center strikes, and variable die alignment, leading to incomplete or uneven impressions. Inconsistent strike pressure often results in weaker detail, particularly on edges or less prominent design elements.