Belagavi: Fourteen gold coins weighing 54.8 grams and estimated to be worth around ₹8.27 lakh were found by labourers while they were working near a BC hostel in Inchala village of Savadatti taluk in Belagavi district.
The labourers reportedly discovered the coins inside a small container while carrying out work near the hostel. Instead of keeping the valuables, they immediately informed officials and handed them over.
The coins were formally handed over to Savadatti tahsildar Mallikarjun Heggannavar in the presence of the panchayat development officer and taluk panchayat staff. The tahsildar later deposited all 14 coins in the government treasury.
What has sparked curiosity is the image of an elephant reportedly engraved on the coins. Since the elephant was associated with the royal emblem of the Ganga dynasty of Talakad, officials and historians are keen to determine whether the coins could be linked to the period.
Preliminary speculation suggests that the coins could be several centuries old, possibly dating between the 10th and 15th centuries. However, their exact age, origin and historical significance are yet to be established.
Officials said a detailed examination by the archaeology department would be required to determine the coins’ authenticity, period and historical value.
The Savadatti taluk administration has also appreciated the labourers for their honesty in handing over gold coins worth lakhs of rupees to the authorities.
