British India. Madras Presidency 2-Coin "Admiral Gardner" 10 Cash Clump Saltwater Encrusted

British India. Madras Presidency 2-Coin "Admiral Gardner" 10 Cash Clump Saltwater Encrusted, 14.26gm. Likely salvaged from the "Admiral Gardner" (sunk in 1809 off the Goodwin Sands, Southeast England). Two coins fused with shells and stones.

The Admiral Gardner was a British East India Company (EIC) ship wrecked in January 1809. Bound to Madras and Bengal, the ship was lost in the tortuous Goodwin Sands right after launching voyage. A large amount of EIC coins were lost with the cargo, later rediscovered in the 1980's when salvaging took place before the site was put under the Protection of Wrecks Act.

2025 January 20 Spotlight: Shipwreck & Treasure World Coins Showcase Auction #61465 / Lot #21064

The description above is per Heritage Auctions.  I enjoy Indian Coinage.  I have started to research shipwreck coinage and this piece seemed like an affordable example.  A larger clump sold in the same auction for $300.  

There was an auction earlier in the year that featured coinage of the "Taj Mahal Treasure Wreck" (sunk in 1702 off the Great Basses Reef, Sri Lanka). While no official COA accompanies this lot, the consignor has provided a photograph of the clump where the coins were removed from. Discovered by Sir Arthur C. Clarke in the 1960's, this merchant ship carried thousands of silver Rupees minted by Aurangzeb Alamgir, the last great Mogul emperor of India and son of Shah Jahan, creator of the Taj Mahal.  I was shut out of that auction.

At any rate, this should be a nice piece.  I secured it for $90 plus the juice.

I received the clump today and it does appear to be India-British Madras Presidency 10 Cash  KM#319 dated 1808.  Specifications for these are copper at 6.4700 grams and a diameter of 25.8 mm.  Examples of the coin itself can be found on ebay for between $20 and $60.  Might be interesting to have a reference of both.  I did end up purchasing an AU details coin from ebay for $40 (NGC 2150530-032)

Description from Golden Eagle Coins:

The British India Madras 10 cash 1808 KM#319 AU is a fascinating coin that captures the historical essence of British colonial rule in India. Issued in 1808, this coin is a part of the Madras Presidency series, reflecting the region's economic and political significance during the British Raj. Collectors and historians highly value the 10 cash coin for its historical context, detailed design, and the insights it provides into the coinage practices of colonial India.

The Madras Presidency was one of the three major administrative divisions of British India, alongside the Bengal and Bombay Presidencies. Established in the 17th century, the Madras Presidency played a crucial role in the expansion and consolidation of British power in India. The issuance of the 10 cash coin in 1808 occurred during a period of significant administrative and economic development in the region. The Madras Presidency was a vital center for trade, governance, and military operations, making its coinage an essential aspect of its economic infrastructure.

The obverse of the British India Madras 10 cash 1808 KM#319 AU coin features a prominent and intricate design, characteristic of the coinage from this period. The central motif is the coat of arms of the British East India Company, which governed large parts of India on behalf of the British Crown. The coat of arms includes two lions holding flags, flanking a shield with the St. George's cross, and surmounted by a lion rampant. The inscription around the coat of arms reads "EAST INDIA COMPANY," signifying the authority of the issuing body. This design reflects the power and influence of the East India Company in shaping the political and economic landscape of colonial India.

The reverse side of the coin prominently displays the denomination "10 CASH" along with the year "1808." The denomination is surrounded by a wreath, adding a decorative element to the coin's appearance. The simplicity and clarity of the reverse design make it easy to recognize and use in everyday transactions. The inclusion of the wreath symbolizes prosperity and growth, aligning with the economic ambitions of the East India Company in the region. The combination of the English and local motifs reflects the colonial nature of the coinage, blending British administrative symbols with regional elements.

The British India Madras 10 cash 1808 KM#319 AU coin was minted in copper, a material chosen for its durability and resistance to wear. Copper coins were common for lower denominations during this period due to their ability to withstand frequent handling and their cost-effectiveness. The coin has a diameter of 26 mm and a weight of approximately 11 grams, making it convenient for everyday use. The smooth edge of the coin adds to its simplicity and functionality. The choice of copper reflects economic considerations and the practical needs of the colonial economy in the Madras Presidency during this period.

The "AU" (About Uncirculated) condition of the coin indicates that it has been well-preserved with minimal wear, maintaining most of its original luster and details. Coins in AU condition are particularly valued by collectors for their high level of preservation and the sharpness of their design elements. The details of the coat of arms and the inscriptions remain clear and crisp, providing an excellent example of this issue and highlighting the quality of the minting process.

The mintage of the 1808 10 cash coin was part of the regular coinage issued for circulation in the Madras Presidency. While exact mintage figures are often challenging to determine, coins from this period are relatively scarce, especially in high grades like AU. The limited availability of well-preserved examples adds to their allure and collectible value, making them sought-after by numismatists interested in colonial coinage and the history of British India.

India has a rich and diverse history of coinage, significantly influenced by various European colonial powers, including the British, Portuguese, French, and Dutch. The introduction of European coinage practices and designs transformed the Indian monetary system, creating a complex and varied numismatic landscape. European colonial coins in India often featured a blend of European and local elements, reflecting the cultural and administrative integration that occurred during the colonial period. These coins are valuable not only for their historical significance but also for their artistic and cultural insights into the colonial era.

The British India Madras 10 cash 1808 KM#319 AU coin is a significant piece of numismatic history, representing the administrative and economic activities of the East India Company in the Madras Presidency. Its detailed design, historical context, and well-preserved condition make it a valuable addition to any collection. The coin not only represents a period of colonial administration and economic activity but also serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of British influence in the region. Collectors and historians treasure this coin for its beauty, historical significance, and the insights it provides into the broader history of British India and European colonial coinage in the Indian subcontinent. The 1808 10 cash coin stands as a reminder of the complex and multifaceted history that shaped modern India and its diverse cultural heritage.