Lanka : 8-9th Century
Gold Type I Kahavanu - Ira Sanda (Sun & Moon)

A specimen of this type loaned by Raja Wickramasinghe for use as the model to draw the Rs 3.50 Stamp of Indigenous Coinage of Sri Lanka stamp set issued by Sri Lanka Philatelic Bureau on 2001.06.18

SPECIFICATIONS Denomination One Kahavanu Metal Gold 0.74 Alloy Ag%Cu 0.91 Type Struck Diameter 21.6 mm Thickness 1.4 mm Weight Std. 4.54 gms Weight 4.46 gms DieAxis 0° Compartments 14
	Codrington ~45 ; OMRS-08

Obverse : A Standing figure Kuvera showing, head somewhat circular to right, with Nose, mouth and eye shown; crown, a semicircular line behind head, a small horizontal line below; behind it similer but shorter line ending in a dot ; in rear a dot. The left arm is bent in to breast ; elbow outwards ; nothing in hand. In a dhoti (garment), indicated by the curved line on either side of, and two lines between the legs, and standing on a lotus plant stalk consists of dots, ending left in chank, right in five-leaved flower. The right arm is extended horizontal with hand over symbol 1 (a) consisting of a straight shaft with short cross pieces, ending in four prongs, which are narrow and curve downward. The elbow is over a similer symbol (2) but with plain shank and upside down. To right symbol 1 (a) tilted to left; above this, a crescent and below, four annulet with dot in the center (Target). A beaded circle along the periphery of the coin.
Reverse : A figure Bahirava head right, crown, a curved line with dot attached to upper outer edge; behind a short line ending in a dot at bottom; in rear a dot; squatting upon a asana (bed-like throne), represented by a rectangular frame divided lengthwise by a line and crosswise by six lines (Fourteen compartments); in dhoti has two long lines between legs, the two ends at the waist appearing at either side of the body. The right arm is pendent over the right knee, which is drawn up; the left arm is bent, and holds ball above cresent - Sun and Moon (Ira Sanda). Anusvara under arm. In field to right, Nagari legend in three lines.

1	2 3	4 5
Sri	Lanka	Vibhu

Vibhu is a title of Vishnu.
A beaded circle along the periphery of coin.

The Kahavanu was scanned at 600 dpi and displayed at 300 dpi. The coin is from the collection of Brig. Siri Munasinha, Author and collector in Colombo, Lanka who had obtained it over 35 years ago from a dealer in Chatham Street.