Sangam Pandya Elephant & Fish Copper Square Coin – Ancient Tamil Coin

An ancient copper square coin attributed to the Sangam Pandyas of early Tamilakam, belonging to the early indigenous coinage of southern India.

Sangam Pandya copper issues are known for their distinctive square flans and symbolic designs. Many varieties feature an elephant accompanied by auspicious symbols on one side and the stylized fish emblem of the Pandya dynasty on the reverse. The fish was the principal dynastic symbol of the Pandyas.

This specimen is heavily circulated, with much of the original design worn, but its ancient square fabric and surviving relief remain visible. The dark surface with patches of natural green patination gives the coin the characteristic appearance of an excavated or long-circulated ancient copper issue.

Dynasty: Sangam Pandya
Region: Ancient Tamilakam / Tamil Nadu
Period: broadly c. 300 BCE–300 CE
Metal: Copper
Shape: Square
Type: Symbolic Sangam Pandya copper unit
Condition: Worn / Fine or below for type
Reverse emblem: Pandyan fish type, subject to confirmation from the actual coin