Potin unit - Kadambas of Banavasi

The Kadambas of Banavasi were among the earliest indigenous dynasties to issue coins in the Kannada-speaking region, having broken from Pallava overlordship in the mid-fourth century. Their potin issues — an alloy of copper, tin, and lead — reflect minting norms common to early Deccan polities, where silver was scarce and bronze-alloy cast or struck pieces filled the gap in low-value exchange.

At 0.20 g, these are among the lightest documented potin units from the dynasty, suggesting hyperlocal market use rather than inter-regional trade.