Description
Madras Presidency, Salem State, 5 Cash, Obv. A beautiful Lotus flower with Tamil Legend Anacu Kasu (Five Cash), Rev. Zarab Salem 1213, AU Details, Deep, razor-sharp strike with exceptional preservation, this is unquestionably the finest specimen recorded to date — surpassing examples held in museums, major private collections, past public auctions, and trade records. The surfaces are remarkably fresh, with bold devices and full legends rarely encountered on this elusive type. Our research indicates that fewer than 100 specimens have been documented across all references and appearances. Such extreme rarity, combined with superior quality and eye appeal, elevates this coin into the highest tier of desirability — a true trophy piece for the most discerning and advanced collector. Historical Background: According to Jan Lingen- The district and town of Salem passed into British hands following the 1792 treaty with Tipu Sultan, concluded after his failed incursions into Travancore. Situated nearly 900 feet above sea level, on the banks of the River Tirumanimutur and beneath the imposing Shevaroy Hills, Salem held both strategic and commercial importance. Around 1798, the British East India Company established a mint at Salem in an effort to consolidate its monetary authority in the newly acquired territories. The experiment, however, proved short-lived; operational difficulties and limited output led to its early closure. The present coin stands as an exceptionally rare survivor of this brief and ambitious minting venture — a tangible relic of a transitional moment when British power was still being firmly established in southern India.
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