Exotic coin/token found at public park - thoughts?

Javadroid

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Not sure if this is a coin or a token. It's about the size of a half dollar and looks to be Indian. I'd be interested in any information on its purpose or value. There is a Hindu temple in the general area; does it have anything to do with that? I'll be doing some research, but definitely welcome any thoughts here. Thanks mates!

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Not anything I've ever seen...is it silver ? It looks hindu so might be related to your temple. Very cool... Congrats java !!
 

Not anything I've ever seen...is it silver ? It looks hindu so might be related to your temple. Very cool... Congrats java !!

Not silver, feels more like bronze, but there's a silvery sheen on parts, like it was plated with something and it's worn away. Has an "old" look to it.
 

Nice!!! Congrats!!!
 

Not silver, feels more like bronze, but there's a silvery sheen on parts, like it was plated with something and it's worn away. Has an "old" look to it.

Now I gotta do a search !!
 

Indeed it is a Hindu “Temple Token”, also known as a “Ramatanka” (among other names). If it were an old authentic example then around $250 would be realistic for a copper/bronze one that has seen little ‘circulation’ (as for the eBay listing above, although I make no comment on the authenticity of that one). Perhaps double that for a silver one.

However, the vast majority of these tokens are modern reproductions purpose made for religious devotees to carry for good luck or catch blessings from the gods. I would be pretty sure that’s modern.
 

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Indeed it is a Hindu “Temple Token”, also known as a “Ramatanka” (among other names). If it were an old authentic example then around $250 would be realistic for a copper/bronze one that has seen little ‘circulation’ (as for the eBay listing above, although I make no comment on the authenticity of that one). Perhaps double that for a silver one.

However, the vast majority of these tokens are modern reproductions purpose made for religious devotees to carry for good luck or catch blessings from the gods. I would be pretty sure that’s modern.

Ah, thanks mate - given where I am located, I doubt it's "old/authentic," though perhaps could have been something someone brought with them from India... in any event, I greatly appreciate the insights provided here.
 

I had to laugh that the eBay offering has the word "Bombay" on it in modern western alphabet... but who am I to say it's not an ancient authentic example and worth every cent of $250 ?

At least it could be said to probably be pre-1995, when Bombay officially changed its name to 'Mumbai'.
 

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Very cool find!
 

I had to laugh that the eBay offering has the word "Bombay" on it in modern western alphabet... but who am I to say it's not an ancient authentic example and worth every cent of $250 ?

At least it could be said to probably be pre-1995, when Bombay officially changed its name to 'Mumbai'.

eBay is so ridiculous. A while back I found a water meter lid pull key while detecting around an old home site -- someone on eBay was advertising the same item as an old west jail key... :laughing7: Caveat emptor!
 

Cool find, looks old to me
 

Very cool find, congrats! :occasion14:
 

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