Lot 878

Description

Danish India, Tranquebar, Christian IV, (1620-1648), lead cash (kas), c.1640-1645, obv. crowned C4 (4 reversed), rev. DSB, (Gray 48, KM.45); another c.1620-1625, obv.4 two varieties, rev. three turreted gate, (Gray 49, 50, KM.47); another issued 1647, obv. crowned C4, rev. crude letters IeHo va Da[n = 1647], (Gray 58, KM.41). Very fine and rare. (4)

Refers as an abbreviation of Dansborg. The second probably symbolises the fort of Dansborg and Jensen believes they were the first to be minted in the colony. The building of the fort of Dansborg was started in December 1620 but already in October 1620 duty revenue from the town of Tranquebar was being collected hence small change was necessary. The last example expanded reads Iehovah Dan (Dansborg = Denmark) and the year of issue.