© Heritage Auctions
© Heritage Auctions
2 Tangas Counterstamped
1642 year| Silver | 4.5 g | 23 mm |
| Issuer | Sri Lanka › Ceylon (1597-1972) |
|---|---|
| Period | Portuguese occupation (1597-1658) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Year | 1642 |
| Value | 2 Tangas (⅖) |
| Currency | Xerafim (1580-1706) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 4.5 g |
| Diameter | 23 mm |
| Thickness | 0.9 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Orientation | Coin alignment ↑↓ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-07 |
| Numista | N#146179 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 95% |
Reverse
Lettering and countermark
Lettering:
TA
DS
1642
G
LL
Edge
Plain
Comment
Type II (Galle) countermark on Portuguese India 2 Tangas of João IV, AG# J4 20Interesting fact
The 2 Tangas coin from Sri Lanka, also known as Ceylon, is a rare and valuable coin among collectors due to its historical significance and unique features. One interesting fact about this coin is that it was counterstamped, which means that a new stamp or design was added to the coin after it was originally minted. This practice was common in the 17th century, and it allowed the colonial powers to issue coins with their own designs and values, while still using the existing coinage. The counterstamp on the 2 Tangas coin features a crowned lion, which represents the Dutch East India Company, who ruled Sri Lanka at the time. This coin is a fascinating piece of history that showcases the blending of cultures and the evolution of currency in the region.
