India, British › Madras Presidency 20 Cash 1808 Rare Coin

Description

Issuer	Madras Presidency (British India)
Type	Standard circulation coins
Years	1803-1808
Value	20 Cash (1⁄168)
Currency	Pagoda (1639-1817)
Composition	Copper
Weight	12.95 g
Diameter	30.7 mm
Thickness	1.56 mm
Shape	Round
Technique	Milled
Orientation	Coin alignment ↑↓
Demonetized	Yes

This exceptional 1808 Madras Presidency 20 Cash coin represents a fascinating piece of British Indian numismatic history. Minted during the early 19th century under British colonial rule, this copper coin bears a denomination of 20 Cash, equivalent to 1/168th of a Pagoda. Struck using milled coinage techniques with precise coin alignment, the piece measures 30.7mm in diameter and weighs 12.95 grams, showcasing the refined standards of that era's production. The Madras Presidency (1639-1817) holds significant historical importance as one of Britain's earliest and most influential Indian territories. This 1808 specimen is particularly sought after by collectors due to its scarcity and authentic patina developed over two centuries. The coin's copper composition shows characteristic aging, making it an excellent example of early 19th-century East India Company monetary circulation. Now demonetized, it serves as a tangible connection to the colonial period and the evolution of Indian coinage. Collectors value such pieces for their historical significance, investment potential, and the window they provide into British Imperial expansion and trade practices in South Asia.