Indian Tipu Sultan Coin, 1 Paise, Elephant Motif

Roman numeral on top and elephant below, walking left with a lifted trunk.

This Tipu Sultan copper coin, one paise, with an elephant motif is from Karnataka, India. Old coins are sometimes drilled or mounted for wear as ornaments, and in India coins have long been strung into necklaces and used as pendants and charms. Slightly oval coin in olive-brown, stamped with a left-facing elephant and a small mark above its back. Dots line the ground below, and a thin groove frames part of the image. The surface is soft and gently worn. It is 0.88 inches in diameter.

A tiny elephant, striding with total confidence.