TENASSERIM-PEGU: Anonymous, 17th-18th century, octagonal large tin coin, cast (77.41g), Robinson—, 58mm, elephant right, with some floral design below, without any visible Chinese character // stylized 3-line Burmese legend, with small square in the center, thus imitating the center of a Chinese or Vietnamese cash coin, significant weakness on both sides as is normal for this extremely rare type, crude VF, RRRR. Third-known example of this unpublished type (the first two were sold in our Auction 35, Lot 1852 and Auction 37, Lot 1609). All published octagonal types bear either the hintha bird or the dragon-on-sea, rather than the elephant. Octagonal types, and at least one round example, were published by Tavernier in 1678, which provides a starting date for this series, i.e., before 1678. On virtually all the large coins of Tenasserim, the tin is mixed with varying amounts of lead, with lead dominant in some examples.
Estimate: $400 - $500