Nolambas of Nolambavadi, Nanni Nolamba, Gold Punch Marked Gadyana, 3.70g, 33mm, Nine punches struck deeply in a broad flan, Obve: 5x Symbol punches of Nandi, the humped bull recumbent to left with Sun and Crescent symbols above, 2x Legend punches of “Sri” inscribed in Kannada within a beaded border, 1x Legend punch “Lenkka” retrograde inscribed in Kannada, 1x Symbol punch of “Elephant Goad with battle axe”. Extremely fine, extremely rare. The Nolambas were the powerful feudatories to several overlords of Karnataka in the 9th and 11th century CE. They ruled for nearly 350 years from Hemavati, their capital, now in Anantapur district of modern Andhra Pradesh. For a brief period of about 50 years, they even ruled Bengaluru. Their coins are striking, magnificent and are constantly sought after by the collector community. The legend “Lenkka” in a broad term means commander in chief. The eight peripheral punches represent eight lobes of the Lotus, the symbol of Goddess of wealth, and hence the coins are often known as Padma Tanka.