Mysore State Copper 5 Cash Krishnaraja Wodeyar III

Mysore State, Krishnaraja Wodeyar III, Period: c. 1799-1868 CE, Denomination: 5 Cash, Composition: Copper, Obv: an Elephant moving to left above Kannada letter ‘Sri, Rev: value in English & Kannada, Weight: 2.02 grams, Diameter: 12.62 mm, Reference: ICM #2373, about very fine.

This copper 5 Cash coin was issued during the reign of Krishnaraja Wodeyar III, when Mysore functioned as a princely state under British supervision. After the defeat of Tipu Sultan in the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War, the Wodeyar dynasty was restored to the throne in 1799.

The obverse features an elephant walking to the left, symbolizing royal authority, strength, and the traditional insignia of Mysore, along with the Kannada letter “Sri,” representing auspiciousness and sovereignty. The reverse displays the denomination in both English and Kannada, reflecting a blend of local tradition with British administrative influence.

This coin represents a transitional phase in Mysore’s monetary system, where indigenous symbols coexisted with colonial standards. Being a copper issue, it was primarily used for everyday small transactions.