206 



JOURNAL, E.A.S. (CEYLON). 



[Vol. XIX. 



On the obverse appears part of an elephant with extended 

 trunk, and above that a triangular symbol. Adopting the 

 same letters as in the larger coins, the obverse, so far as 

 remains, is thus : — 



On the reverse the stupa and swastika symbols occur as on 

 the larger coins, and the double triangle symbol is faintly 

 visible : — 



At the end of this Paper an attempt is made to examine the 

 available evidence, and to settle the approximate dates of 

 the various issues described. Absolute and incontrovertible 

 evidence is lacking. But I think the inferences deduced may 

 fairly stand as the most probable estimate until new discoveries 

 either confirm or shake my conclusions. 



Coins or Plaques. 



What have been already described have, with all their 

 uncertainty of period, &c. , at least certainly been money. But 

 the objects now to be described have been the subject of some 

 difference of opinion, the point at issue being " are they money, 

 or are they not ? " Having had opportunities of examining 

 some 200 specimens from places widely apart, and having 

 through Mr. Bell's kindness had access to a good deal of 

 correspondence bearing on the subject which he has carefully 

 kept by him for some years, I am able perhaps to throw more 

 light on this question than has been possible hitherto. 



Before entering into the question of whether or no they are 

 coins, and if not coins, what they are, I will fully describe 

 them. 



They divide primarily into two and secondly into five types 

 or classes, the first and main division being between (A) those 

 in which the device is struck on to more or less malleable metal, 

 and (B) those which are cast and which would break sooner 

 than bend. 



