Archive · 6 Sep 2026
Fourteen Ancient Gold Coins Found During Rural Employment Work
Workers doing a rural employment project found 14 gold coins in Inchala village.
One worker said the coins were inside a pot and were found on August 29.
The coins weigh nearly 55 grams altogether.
Each coin has an elephant design on one side.
The coins may be between 800 and 1,000 years old, but experts must check them first.
A local goldsmith gave an early value estimate of about Rs 8.20 lakh to Rs 8.30 lakh.
Reports differ on whether the workers handed over the coins immediately or briefly took them home.
The coins were later given to local officials and placed in government custody.
Archaeology experts will study their age, origin and historical importance.
Workers under the VB G-RAM-G scheme found 14 gold coins in Inchala village, Belagavi district.
The coins were discovered during routine work and reportedly found inside a pot on August 29.
Each coin weighs roughly 3.87 to 3.92 grams, with a combined weight of about 54.8 grams.
The coins share an elephant motif and another old-style design, but their dynasty and age remain unconfirmed.
Preliminary estimates range from Rs 8.20 lakh to Rs 8.30 lakh, while the coins await archaeology examination.
- Who
- Workers employed under the VB G-RAM-G scheme, along with Inchala gram panchayat officials, the taluk administration and police.
- What
- Fourteen gold coins were found during rural employment work and handed over to government authorities.
- When
- The coins were reportedly found on August 29 and formally handed to the taluk administration on Friday; the exact calendar dates are not stated.
- Where
- Inchala village in Savadatti taluk, Belagavi district, Karnataka.
- Why
- The coins were placed in government custody so experts could determine their age, origin, value and historical significance.
Initial Reports and Estimates
Official and Expert Qualification
How the coins were surrendered
Initial Reports and Estimates
One account says the workers immediately handed the coins to the gram panchayat in the presence of officials and police.
Official and Expert Qualification
The discovering worker said he initially took the coins home because he did not know whom to contact, then handed them to the panchayat development officer.
Estimated monetary value
Initial Reports and Estimates
A jewellery-shop assessment reported the combined value at around Rs 8.20 lakh.
Official and Expert Qualification
Another preliminary estimate put the value at around Rs 8.30 lakh, while officials stressed that neither figure is final.
Historical origin
Initial Reports and Estimates
The elephant motif has been associated with coins from several Karnataka dynasties, including the Ganga dynasty.
Official and Expert Qualification
Officials said the design alone cannot establish the coins’ dynasty, exact age or historical importance without an Archaeology Department examination.
- Number of coins
- 14
- Combined weight
- Approximately 54.8 grams
- Weight per coin
- About 3.87 to 3.92 grams
- Preliminary valuation
- Reports cite approximately Rs 8.20 lakh to Rs 8.30 lakh
- Tentative age
- About 800 to 1,000 years
- Design
- An elephant motif appears on one side, with an old-style design on the other
- Current custody
- The coins were handed over to the taluk administration and treasury department
