Over 740 small gold coins, believed to be of the 18th century, have been unearthed near Kottamalam in Sathyamangalaam forest in South Indian state Tamil Nadu, revenue officials said Sunday.
The 744 'Veerarayan' gold coins, weighing 350 grams, were found kept in a earthen pot near the Kottamalam forest settlement two days ago when some persons were digging pits to plant saplings.
The Tahsildar, Shanmugam, handed over the coins to District Collector R Sudalaikannan Sunday.
It was stated that the coins were of pure gold and its total worth was around Rs five lakh. It would be sent to the Government Treasury, the officials added.