Lot 683

AE 4 ¾ Stiver or ½ larin (62,52 g; 64.3 x 19 x 8.7 mm). Colombo, ND (1785). 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 one of the most commonly imitated VOC-coin of Ceylon. Genuine examples therefore are rarely offered for sale. 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. Extremely rare XF. Ref.: Scho. 1295a; Passon 53.10