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Auction: 21125 - Spink Numismatic e-Circular 11: Indian & Islamic Coins
Lot: 7204

Sri Lanka (Ceylon), Dutch Colony, Persian coin used in Ceylon, host coin uncertain, possibly a contemporary forgery of an Abbasi, 6.55g, date unclear, 'VOC' countermark with 'C' above for Colombo (for type see Ceylon, KM 49-50; Scho. 1285), host coin fine, but a copy, countermark clear and apparently genuine, good fine

provenance
Part of a collection of coins formed by Mr Campbell, a tea planter of Nuwara Eliya in the early 20th century. He regularly correspondeded with Mr H. W. Codrington (famous for having later written 'Ceylon Coins and Currency,' published by Richards, Government Printer, Ceylon, 1924), which is still a standard reference work on the subject today. Codrinton mentions that a hoard of coins of this type were being offered in Ceylon in 1913 and it is likely that these coins were part of this find.
Codrington gave much thought to this coin and asked to see it twice. The first time he wrote: "I can make nothing out of 7. Had it not been passed by the Dutch Govt. I should be doubtful of its genuinness. It is much lighter that the other abbasis and may perhaps be an Indian Muhammadan coin. It is difficult to read the legend when countermarked."
The second time he writes "VII still beats me, as does B."


Scholten notes (pp.150-151, quoting Valentijn) that coins current in Colombo were the "large Persian Abbassi (5 shahis) for 22½ stivers, the common Abbassi (4 shahis) for 18 stivers and the Mahmudi or ½ Abbassi (2 shahis) for 9 stivers."
Although these were supposed to be counter-stamped with 'the Company's mark' after 1660 he goes on to note: "On Jan.27, 1691 another warning was published against false counter-stamped Abbassis made of lead, copper and tutenag that were in circulation. The prescribed weight was: 5 Shahipiece 9.232 grams; Abbassi 7.387 grams; Mahmudi 3.693 grams."
It seems that this is one such false coin, as it does not appear to be silver.

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Sold for
£220

Starting price
£70