Rare Sangam Chola Copper Coin – Tiger & Elephant with Ankush, Ancient Tamil Nadu M57

Rare Sangam Chola Copper Coin – Tiger & Elephant with Ankush, Ancient Tamil Nadu (3.02gm)

An impressive ancient copper coin attributed to the Sangam Cholas of early historic Tamil Nadu, featuring the iconic Chola tiger emblem and an elephant motif.

The tiger was the dynastic emblem of the Cholas and is one of the most distinctive symbols found on early Tamil coinage. Coins of the Sangam Chola period are known with combinations of elephants, tigers, trees, umbrellas and other symbols, with significant variation between individual dies and varieties.

Obverse: A prominently depicted tiger standing facing left, with its forepaw raised and the tail prominently curved upward.

Reverse: Elephant standing facing right, with an ankush (elephant goad) positioned before it.

The bold rectangular flan and strongly visible animal devices give this specimen considerable visual appeal. Both the tiger and elephant remain readily identifiable, making it particularly attractive for collectors of Sangam-era coinage, ancient Tamil history and early South Indian dynasties.

Dynasty: Sangam Chola
Region: Ancient Tamil Nadu, South India
Period: Sangam Age / Early Historic South India
Metal: Copper
Weight: 3.02 g
Shape: Rectangular / square-type flan
Obverse: Standing tiger facing left with raised forepaw
Reverse: Elephant facing right with ankush before
Condition: Attractive collectible example with strong principal devices
Rarity: Scarce/Rare type; exact rarity dependent on confirmed catalogue variety

The photographs show the actual coin offered. Ancient hand-struck coins naturally vary in shape, strike, patination and surface characteristics.