Rare Sangam Chola Copper Coin – Elephant & Tiger Type, c. 1st Century BCE

An ancient copper square unit attributed to the Sangam Cholas of early Tamilakam, belonging to the distinctive elephant-and-tiger series of early Chola coinage.

Obverse: Elephant standing facing left. Above the elephant are the Srivatsa and a ceremonial umbrella; traces of additional associated symbols, including the horse element recorded for this variety, can be seen in the field.

Reverse: The royal Chola emblem — a tiger standing facing left, with its tail prominently curled upward against its back.

The combination of the elephant, Srivatsa, umbrella and tiger belongs to a well-documented series of early Chola copper coinage. The Government Museum, Chennai likewise describes Sangam Chola copper coins with the standing tiger and elephant as their principal devices.

Your specimen has a dark ancient surface with circulation wear, but the principal animal motifs remain identifiable. The square flan and bold surviving relief give it good character as an original Sangam-period coin.

Dynasty: Sangam Chola
Region: Ancient Tamilakam / Chola country
Period: c. 1st century BCE, following the reference book attribution
Metal: Copper
Shape: Square
Type: Elephant–Tiger type
Obverse: Elephant left; Srivatsa and umbrella above; associated symbols
Reverse: Tiger left with curled tail
Book comparison: Closest to Coin 56
Condition: Fine to about Very Fine for type