168 JOURNAL, R.A.S. (CEYLON). [VOL. XIX. 



These I have classified as follows : — 



(i.) Imitation of the type common to Constantine I. and 

 his successors, representing two soldiers on either 

 side guarding a standard. The varieties of this run 

 through a regular series, beginning with a very fair 

 imitation of the Roman design and ending with a 

 mere diagram of lines which bears no manner of 

 likeness to its original. Hound the edge is seen an 

 imitation of an inscription in the same manner as 

 on the obverse. Of this type there are thirty-three 

 specimens. 



(ii.) A cross, after the fashion found on the coins of many 

 of the Christian Emperors, save that a plain circle 

 is substituted for the surrounding wreath. Of this 

 type there are five. 



(iii.) A standing figure, which I take to be a pseudo- 

 Victory. Of this type there is only one. 



(iv.) A design of two, three, or four concentric circles. 

 Of this type there are six. 



(v.) A design after the fashion of a wheel. This in its 

 simplest form is four intersecting lines forming an 

 eight-armed cross. The next development was to 

 substitute a small circle with radiating arms, which 

 vary in number up to nearly thirty. In most 

 cases this design is enclosed in a circle, and some- 

 times is surrounded by an imitation legend. 



No exergum or mint mark is visible on any of the coins. 

 Owing to their bad state of preservation, no photograph can 

 adequately represent them ; but it is hoped that the illustration 

 given will be sufficient to indicate the points described. 



All of the coins, both Roman and imitation, have been 

 thoroughly well used, and are so worn that even where corro- 

 sion has not pitted the surface only a small percentage can be 

 accurately read and identified. But designs are less easily 

 obliterated than are inscriptions, and the majority of the coins 

 can safely be fixed to within a limited period. Beyond that, 

 however accuracy can only be obtained by actually reading 



