Mystery over ancient-style coins found along roadside

The discovery of several coin-like objects resembling old gold coins along a roadside near Rasipuram in Salem district created excitement and confusion among local residents. The incident occurred near Kattanachampatti Panchayat on the road leading to Athipalaganur, adjacent to a cremation ground.
Reports spread that small gold coins had been found scattered in thorny bushes along the roadside. As the news quickly circulated, a large number of people rushed to the spot and began searching the area in the hope of finding more coins. On receiving information, Rasipuram police visited the location and launched an inquiry. Preliminary investigations revealed that several small coins resembling gold currency had been recovered from the site. The coins reportedly bore the year “1914” and featured the name and image of Queen Victoria, giving them the appearance of antique coins.
Police also seized a number of similar coins for examination. Initial speculation suggested that they could be valuable old gold coins. However, a detailed analysis found that the objects were not made of gold. Officials confirmed that the coins contained 63 per cent copper and 37 per cent zinc, indicating that they were metallic replicas designed to resemble antique gold coins.
Police are continuing their investigation to determine who discarded the coins at the location and who first discovered them.
The incident has generated considerable curiosity among residents of the area.