131, Lot: 318. Estimate $300. Sold for $180. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

INDIA, Token. "Hindu Rama-Sita." 19th-20th century. AV "Tanka" (28mm, 9.25 g, 1h). Durbar scene: Rama and his consort Sita enthroned on platfrom with attendants around / Rama, with trident standing beside Laksmana, with bow. Cf. Mitchiner, India 344. Good VF, mount removed.

Indian religious tokens were used as presentation pieces at temples and funerals, as well as gifts to friends and collegues. Typical scenes are of Rama and Siva, 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 doweries.