© Heritage Auctions
© Heritage Auctions
2 Tangas Counterstamped
| Silver | 4.4 g | 22 mm |
| Issuer | Sri Lanka › Ceylon (1597-1972) |
|---|---|
| Period | Portuguese occupation (1597-1658) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 1655-1656 |
| Value | 2 Tangas (⅖) |
| Currency | Xerafim (1580-1706) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 4.4 g |
| Diameter | 22 mm |
| Thickness | 0.5 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Orientation | Coin alignment ↑↓ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-07 |
| Numista | N#145019 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 95% |
Reverse
Coat of Arms
Lettering: A D
Edge
Plain
Comment
Type I (Colombo) countermark on Portuguese India 2 Tangas of João IV, AG# J4Interesting fact
The 2 Tangas coin from Sri Lanka, also known as Ceylon, is interesting because it was issued during a time of great change in the country. The coin was minted in 1655-1656, a period when the Portuguese were fighting to maintain their control over the island, which they had colonized in the early 16th century. The coin features a counterstamp, which was added to the coin to indicate that it had been issued by the local king, Rajasinghe II, who was trying to assert his authority over the Portuguese. This coin is a rare and valuable piece of Sri Lankan history, providing a glimpse into the complex political dynamics of the time.
