This dainty pendant includes a genuine fanam coin struck in Cochin, South India between c. 1600–1750 AD, paired with a delicate 14k gold chain. Among the smallest coins in the world, these fanams were hand-struck in high-purity gold and circulated in the kingdom of Travancore, now part of Kerala. Though tiny (see quarter for scale), their weight carried immense economic and cultural significance.
One side shows a stylized boar, its legs formed by dotted rows, while the reverse presents a lion (sardula) crowned by a crescent—symbols tied to power, protection, and divine blessing.
Hand-set in solid 18k gold, each pendant is crafted to highlight the coin’s minimalist beauty and enduring history. The bezel is formed and polished by hand to follow the coin’s contours, ensuring secure preservation without altering its surface. With its subtle glow and timeless design, this piece is as much an adornment as it is a conversation starter.
The History
Fanams were some of the tiniest gold coins ever minted, yet they played a crucial role in South Indian trade for centuries. Circulating widely in the spice-rich coastal markets of Kerala, they became symbols of both economic stability and sacred imagery. The boar and lion designs reflect a long tradition of animal symbolism in Indian art, embodying fertility, protection, and kingship. Their miniature size belied their cultural power, making them treasured both in commerce and ritual.
Coin Details
Origin: Cochin (modern-day Kerala, India)
Date: c. 1600–1750 AD
Ruler: Rajahs of Cochin
Obverse: Stylized boar standing right, legs shown as dots
Free insured U.S. shipping (international available)
The Peregrine Collection
The Peregrine Collection represents the finest of our offerings—rare or historically significant coins, each set in a fully hand-forged 18k gold bezel and paired with a dainty 14k gold chain. Every bezel is shaped, hammered, and polished entirely by hand to follow the natural contours of the ancient coin, ensuring both secure preservation and refined presentation. No two settings are ever alike, making each pendant a singular work of wearable history.
Small Indian Gold Coin
$845.00
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Testimonials
My four daughters absolutely LOVED them! Your work is excellent and the pendants look great- Thank you!
— Eva S.
Thank you for making this spectacular necklace! I provided the denarius of Julia Domna, and they did the rest. I was delighted with the results - and so (more importantly) was my girlfriend.
— Garrett Ryan from Toldinstone
Got the ring today! Love it!
— Margaret B.
The Athenian Owl pendants are awesome! We're saving the gift for a special occasion. My wife loved it, she got it and was all hushed quiet, that smile while opening and handling it for the first few minutes. It's special.
— Joe E.
OMG the coin. It’s sooo gorgeous. I love it so so so so much. Thank you for keeping me in mind and finding this piece of perfection for me.
— Cecilia A.
Curated Classics. History in Every Piece
FAQs
Are all coins authentic?
Yes — all coins are genuine, not replicas. Fakes are rare because good forgeries take too much effort for low-value coins, and bad ones are easy to spot.
Where are your coins bought?
Mostly from reputable ancient coin auctions in Europe and the USA, plus private collections.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes, we proudly ship worldwide. Shipping options and times vary by country — you’ll see available methods at checkout.
Can I send you my own coin to make a pendant?
Absolutely! We love turning personal coins into wearable pieces. Just email us at info@peregrinependants.com to discuss your custom order.
What if my pendant needs repair?
If your pendant ever needs repair or resizing, contact us — we’re happy to help keep your piece in top shape.
