Silver 1/2 Pagoda, 21.08g, 2nd issue, ND, Obv: Pagoda- Gopuram within circle, 9 stars on both sides, denomination in English & Persian in outer circle, empty buckle, Rev: Lord Vishnu in centre surrounded by granulated dots, value in Tamil & Telugu on ribbon (KM# 353). Beautiful rainbow toning, uncirculated, very rare.
In 1806 Machinery was imported from Calcutta & a new series coin design was adopted by Madras Mint. Minting beginning in 1807 but was stopped in 1812. However, Gold coins continued till 1818. The huge number of different varieties found in Silver coins which indicates large numbers of dies used. The larger Silver coins such as Double Rupee, Half & Quarter Pagoda’s were directly struck on to imported Spanish Riyals/ Dollars.