Lanka : 8-9th Century
Gold Type I Kahavanu - Purnaghata (Full Vase)

The anonymous gold Type I Kahavanu - Purnaghata (Full Vase), from 8-9th Century Lanka. Codrington Kahavanu Type I B.

SPECIFICATIONS
DenominationOne Kahavanu
MetalGold 0.64
AlloyAg%Cu 0.85
TypeStruck
Diameter22.2 mm
Thickness2.0 mm
Weight Std.4.54 gms
Weight4.46 gms
DieAxis
Compartments8
k1ff4t8c_purnaghata_au_obverse k1ff4t8c_purnaghata_au_reverse
Codrington 47 ; OMRS-21
Obverse : A Standing figure Kuvera, head somewhat circular to right, with Nose, mouth and eye shown; crown, a semicircular line behind head with slight bifurcation at top, and 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, terminating on both sides five-leaved flower. The right arm is extended 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 three lines (Eight 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 a potted plant bearing 4 branches (purnaghata). Anusvara under arm. In field to right, Nagari legend in three lines.
12 34 5
SriLankaVibhu
Vibhu is a title of Vishnu.
A beaded circle along the periphery of coin.

The Kahavanu was scanned at 600dpi and displayed at 300dpi. It was purchased in 2014 October from a Dealer in Colombo, Sri Lanka.