Indian Tipu Sultan Coin, 1 Paise, Elephant Motif

Almost blank, with only the ghost of an elephant left on its dark face.

This Tipu Sultan copper coin, one paise, with an elephant motif is from Karnataka, India. Small copper coins such as the paisa were everyday money in south India, and they were struck from engraved dies in the mints of the ruling state. Thick, rounded coin in smooth, chocolate-brown tones. A faint outline of an elephant stands at the center, mostly worn away. Small blue-green spots appear near the bottom edge, and the surface is soft and slightly lumpy. It is 0.75 inches in diameter.

What it lost in detail it gained in mystery.