2021-05-14 Fri

Maharani Ayilyom Thirunal Gouri Lakshmi Bayi (1791–1815) was the Maharani of Travancore. She gained the reputation of Travancore’s most popular Queen and introduced several reforms in the state administration as well as in its coinage and currency.

One outstanding Gold Anantha Varahan coin weighing 3.38g was introduced by Maharani. The obverse of the coin bears Vishnu standing with a stylized Shankha and Chakra in his hands and two lotus springs on either side of it. The reverse of the coin is convex in shape and finely granulated.

The value of Anantha Varahan which was equivalent to 3 Rupees; 15 Annas, and 5 Pice, was not studied earlier. However, Barbara Mears in her research paper studied it and identified two different types, one: without lotus sprigs and the other with lotus sprigs. Rani Lakshmi Bayi is known to have introduced the lotus sprigs to differentiate her coins.

One such coin in extremely fine condition is listed with Todywalla in their upcoming auction to be held at World Trade Centre with an estimated price of INR 1,65,000.
Image Courtesy: todywalla.com