Sale: CNG 75, Lot: 1301. Estimate $200.  Closing Date: Wednesday, 23 May 2007.  Sold For $325. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

INDIA, Tokens. Hindu Rama-Sita. 19th-20th centuries. AV Ramatanka (2.88 g, 12h). Rama and his consort Sita enthroned on platform with attendants around; Hanuman seated left beneath platform / Rama, with trident, standing left beside Lakshmana, with bow. Cf. Mitchiner, Ramatankas 40; cf. Mitchiner, Indian 357. Good VF.

Indian religious tokens were used as presentation pieces at temples and funerals, as well as gifts to friends and colleagues. Typical scenes are of Rama and Sita (hence the generic term "ramatanka" for these tokens), but other deities from the Hindu pantheon also show up. Most are of silver or silver-washed base metal, but occasional rare issues in gold are encountered. Most are Hindu, from Calcutta and Bombay, but examples for Sikhs, Muslims and even Christians are also to be found. The gold pieces served as a handy repository of wealth, and would also be included in bridal dowries.