Solved: Lunavada quarter paisa of Dalel Singhji, not listed in KM

[Seeker55]

Hi Guys,

weight 2.12 g
dimensions 10x18 mm

This small rectangular copper coin appears to possibly show a spear- or arrow-head on one side. The style is similar to the coins of Rampur or Lunavada, but I'm not finding any matching coins listed under those categories in Krause or Zeno. The weight would seem to correspond to maybe a quarter paisa, but I don't see any denominations that small. If you have any ideas I'll be grateful to hear them

[asm]

Lunawada. Dalel Sinh.

Amit

PS: Sharper pictures would be desirable for better attribution.

[Seeker55]

Thank you very much, Amit. I think you're right. There are definite similarities to this half paisa (at 3.51 grams) of Dalel Singhji (indicating mine is a quarter paisa)

https://www.bombayauctions.com/currentviewlot.aspx?itemid=29258&auctionid=1039&lotno=458

His coins aren't listed in KM.

I will strive for sharper pictures in future.

[asm]

The top image needs to be rotated 180 degrees. The rulers name will then clearly be seen as 'Da - La - La' the basic or 'Bodi Gujarati' script where the words were written using just the basic letters.

The coins of this and many other rulers are not listed in any catalogue and we were the first to catalogue them in our book on the coins of the 4 Rewa Kantha states - Devgadh Baria, Chhota Udepur, Lunawada and Sunth.

Amit

[Figleaf]

Believe it or not, but Amit is too modest about the book he co-authored. Sure, the coins are catalogued - yours is called "Very Scarce" - and analysed in detail, most with exemplary colour sketches and lists of marks, symbols and legends, but they are introduced with so much information on the state that the book serves equally well as a geographical and historical introduction and even a tourist guide, not in the least because of a rich collection of colour photos, making it a landmark publication on these states.

I would like to encourage you to post an in-focus picture, so that what is visible may lead to a more precise identification.

Peter

[Seeker55]

Thank you Amit and Peter for your comments, and congratulations Amit on your book and the extensive research that must have gone into it.
I have replaced the photos with clearer and correctly-oriented ones. It's impressive to be able to make an attribution where neither the ruler nor denomination are listed in Krause or Zeno.

[Figleaf]

Thank you. Top picture! This is Dalel Singh's type 3: Rajchatra or umbrella with ruler's name, quarter paisa, PM #122.1. The scan attached is PM #120 because you see more on its larger planchet, so you will understand your coin better (scroll picture to right). PM says the quarter paisa of this type weighs 2.36 gram.

eter

[asm]

Thanks Peter for the compliments as well as posting the image. The coins of these tribal states show a fairly wide variation in weight and I am inclined to believe that the coins traded by weight and not as a denomination - sort of Barter but using a metal - in this case copper.

Seeker55, thanks.

Amit

Quality images like this will help new collectors at a later date.