PREVIEW: COINS AND HISTORICAL MEDALS: 24 JULY

Although British India and The Raj are much better known globally, it was the Portuguese who held sway longest in the Sub-Continent, arriving before the British and leaving after them, with a rule that lasted over 450 years until 1961 in Goa, Daman and Diu.

The Portuguese Indian Rupia was used for almost 300 years of that period, dating from the late 17th century until its replacement in 1958 with the escudo.

 

This auction includes a collection of more than 40 early Portuguese-Indian Rupias from the 18th century. Three of the finest Goan Rupia lead the collection. They are of José I (1750-1777), estimated at £150-200; João V (1706-1750), dated to 1745, pitched at £100-120; and another of José I (1750-1777), from 1776, at £90-120.

The sale also includes a good selection of Ancient Greek coins, notably an attractive Tetradrachm of Lysimachos, King of Thrace (305-281), featuring a portrait of the deified Alexander. The location of the mint is uncertain. The reverse shows Athena seated left, holding Nike, with the crowning legend, βασιλεωσ λυσιμαχου around, θε above monogram In good very fine condition, it has a guide of £400-500.