Madras fanam

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The fanam (or panam [1] in the local language of Tamil) was a currency issued by the Madras Presidency until 1815. It circulated alongside the Indian rupee, also issued by the Presidency. The fanam was a small silver coin, subdivided into 80 copper cash, with the gold pagoda worth 42 fanams. The rupee was worth 12 fanams. After 1815, only coins of the rupee currency system were issued.

Contents

Conversion table

Pagoda Rupees Fanams Cash
1423360
112960
180

Fanams were also issued in Travancore, worth 1/7 of a rupee, whilst in Danish India the fano was issued, worth 1/8 rupee, and in French India the fanon was issued, worth 1/8 rupee.

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References

  1. Hamilton, Francis; Company, East India (1 January 1807). A journey from Madras through the countries of Mysore, Canara, and Malabar: performed under the orders of the most noble the Marquis Wellesley, governor general of India, for the express purpose of investigating the state of agriculture, arts, and commerce; the religion, manners, and customs; the history natural and civil, and antiquities, in the dominions of the rajah of Mysore, and the countries acquired by the Honourable East India company. T. Cadell and W. Davies.