Lot 931

AE 4 ¾ Stiver or ½ larin (56.86 g; 67.0 x 18.4 x 8.05 mm). Colombo, ND (1785). (Scho.1295a; Passon 53.10) - It was decided by a Res. of Colombo dated 1785 Oct. 20, to strike half copper larins in the shape of small bars with two round countermarks on either end and declare them current at the rate of 4 ¾ Indian stivers or half larin, because the rate of the silver larin in 1785 was 9½ stivers. This is the reason for this rather odd denomination and for this reason also one of the most commonly imitated VOC-coin of Ceylon. Obv.: Two round countermarks stamped on either end of bar; within a rim of beads outside a plain circle. On the left VOC-monogram, surmounted by C (Colombo), on right 4 ¾ / S T. R3, Very rare, genuine example, but with a somewhat pitted surface due to corrosion (excavation find), but otherwise a.VF