Rare Sangam Chera Seated Lion Type Rare Copper Coin – 1st Century BCE

An uncommon copper coin of the Sangam Chera dynasty, dating approximately to the 1st century BCE.

The obverse depicts a lion seated facing forward, accompanied by traditional dynastic symbols including a wheel and conch. The reverse carries the characteristic bow-and-arrow associated with the Cheras, together with additional weapon/symbol elements.

This is one of the more interesting animal types found in early Tamil coinage. The coin shows genuine circulation wear and an aged dark-brown patina with areas of natural green surface oxidation. Despite its age, important portions of the symbolic design remain visible.

Dynasty: Sangam Chera
Period: c. 1st Century BCE
Region: Ancient Tamilakam / South India
Metal: Copper
Type: Seated Lion Type
Weight: 2.3 grams
Obverse: Seated lion with associated wheel/conch symbols
Reverse: Chera bow-and-arrow and associated symbols
Condition: Ancient circulated condition; please refer to actual photographs