Sale: Triton VIII, Lot: 1655. Estimate $1000.  Closing Date: Monday, 10 January 2005.  Sold For $1200. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

INDIA. Krishna-Radha Token.19th century. AV "Mohur" (10.84 gm, 12h). Krishna embracing his consort Radha, an attendant with fan behind / Peacock in splendour to left. Mitchiner, India Tokens -. Good VF, encrusted. Rare in gold. ($1000)

Indian religious tokens were used as presentation pieces and 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 northern India, but examples for Muslims and Christians are also to be found. The hexagonal flan of this rare gold "mohur" suggests it may originate in north-east India, the region of Assam, where coins of this shape were common.