The Kadambas of Banavasi were among the earliest ruling dynasties to issue coins in the Kannada-speaking region, and Krishnavarma II's reign falls during the dynasty's gradual eclipse by the early Chalukyas of Badami. Potin — a debased alloy of copper, tin, and lead — was the dominant coinage medium in the Deccan and western India for centuries before gold and silver issues became administratively practical for smaller kingdoms.
At 0.52 g, this is among the lightest surviving examples of Kadamba potin production, suggesting either a terminal phase of the series or regional die wear that was never corrected before the dynasty's effective subordination to Pulakesi I.
The Kadambas of Banavasi were among the earliest ruling dynasties to issue coins in the Kannada-speaking region, and Krishnavarma II's reign falls during the dynasty's gradual eclipse by the early Chalukyas of Badami. Potin — a debased alloy of copper, tin, and lead — was the dominant coinage medium in the Deccan and western India for centuries before gold and silver issues became administratively practical for smaller kingdoms.
At 0.52 g, this is among the lightest surviving examples of Kadamba potin production, suggesting either a terminal phase of the series or regional die wear that was never corrected before the dynasty's effective subordination to Pulakesi I.