Sangam Chera Copper Coin – Bow & Arrow Type, Ancient Tamil M68

Sangam Chera Copper Coin – Bow & Arrow Type, Ancient Tamil M68 (2.44gm)

An original copper coin attributed to the Chera kingdom of the Sangam period, one of the three major early Tamil dynasties of ancient South India.

The Cheras used the bow and arrow as their principal dynastic emblem, and this symbol appears prominently on their early copper coinage. Related varieties also feature elephants, ankush, trees, hills, standards and other ancient symbols.

On this specimen, the bow-and-arrow side remains identifiable, while the opposite side is considerably worn with only traces of the original design surviving. The coin has a dark brown natural patina and the characteristic irregular square flan associated with early Chera copper issues.

Dynasty: Chera
Period: Sangam Age
Region: Ancient Tamilakam / Karur–Vanchi region
Metal: Copper / copper alloy
Type: Bow-and-arrow type
Obverse: Heavily worn; traces of original symbolic/animal design
Reverse: Chera bow-and-arrow emblem
Condition: Heavily circulated, with one side significantly worn
Rarity: Collectible Sangam Chera type; exact rarity depends on variety