i n d i aThe earliest Indian coinage began about 600 BC in the Ganges valley and adjacent regions with a series of punchmarked issues. A brief synopsis of the history of all the different cultures listed below is in the works. The organization follows Mitchiner's Ancient and Classical World and Non-Islamic States.

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Please also see Pankaj Tandon's site, CoinIndia, the Virtual Museum of Indian Coins

Pre-Mauryan Period (circa 600 - 321 BC)Kashi Kingdom Kosala Kingdom Magadha Kingdom

Successors of Ajatashatru (462 - 414 BC)

AR KarshapanaMitchiner ACW 3939v.; Gupta/Hardaker ISPC 294v. (type III I A 9)19 mm.3.30 gm.Die position=n/aObverse: At least 5 punched symbols including: Sun; 6-armed symbol; three 'lotus buds', each containing a taurine symbol; three fish (?) or plants (?) arranged geometrically around a central anulet; plant symbol.Reverse: 3 punched symbols: Eye (?), four-fingered hand print (?) and sun.

Successors of Ajatashatru (462 - 414 BC)AR KarshapanaMitchiner ACW 3983v.; Gupta/Hardaker ISPC 299v. (type III II A 6)24 x 20 mm.3.27 gm.Die position=n/aObverse: 6 punched symbols including: 2 suns; 6-armed symbol; cartouche containing elephant goad, fish (?) and taurine symbol; railed tree of taurine symbols with fish (?), left, underneath; standard (?) with tail curling to the left.Reverse: Blank.

Period of Saisunaga and Kalasoka (circa 420 BC)AR KarshapanaMitchiner ACW 3997v.; Gupta/Hardaker ISPC 305v. (type III IV A 1)22 mm.3.11 gm.Die position=n/a

Obverse: Overstruck on earlier issue. Traces of at least 9 punched symbols including: 2 suns; 6-armed symbol; elephant; dog surrounded by taurine symbols. Reverse: Traces of undertype; numerous bankers marks.

Period of the Eight Sons of Mahapadma Nanda (circa 340 - 320 BC)AR KarshapanaMitchiner ACW 4054v.; Gupta/Hardaker ISPC 442v. (type IV XXXII A 1)22 x 14 mm.3.40 gm.Die position=n/aObverse: 6 punched symbols: Sun, 6-armed symbol, plant on hill symbol, humped bull, elephant and taurine (?) symbol.Reverse: Blank.

Upper Ganges Valley Kuru and Panchala

Anonymous (circa 400 - 350 BC)AE SatamanaMitchiner ACW 406914 x 25 x 5 mm.11.54 gm.Die position=n/aObverse: Septa-radiate symbol stamped at each end of bar.Reverse: Blank.

Anonymous (circa 400 - 350 BC)AR KarshapanaMitchiner ACW -14 x 11 mm.1.58 gm.Die position=n/aObverse: Triskeles with crescents and dots.Reverse: Blank.

Indus Valley Taxila and Gandhara

Anonymous (circa 500 - 300 BC)AR SatamanaMitchiner ACW 407643 x 10 x 3 mm.10.67 gm.Die position=n/aObverse: Septa-radiate symbol at each end; three other punchmarks (single pellet, heart shape with two pellets [Jalalabad (?)], two crescents, one pellet, two 'insects' [Taxila (?)].Reverse: Blank.

Anonymous (circa 500 - 300 BC)AR SatamanaMitchiner ACW 4073v.36 x 10 x 4 mm.8.08 gm.Die position=n/aObverse: Septa-radiate symbol at each end.Reverse: Blank.

Anonymous (circa 500 - 300 BC)AR 1/8 SatamanaMitchiner ACW 407914 mm.1.25 gm.Die position=n/aObverse: Septa-radiate symbol.Reverse: Blank.

Anonymous (circa 500 - 300 BC)AR 1/8 SatamanaMitchiner 14 x 12 mm.0.92 gm.Die position=n/aObverse: Septa-radiate symbol.Reverse: Blank.

Narbada Valley

Avanti Kingdom

Anonymous (circa 400 - 312 BC)AR 1/2 Karshapana (Animal series)Mitchiner ACW 410712 x 8 mm.1.56 gm.Die position=n/aObverse: Very stylized fish above lion; taurine punchmarks.Reverse: Taurine punchmark.Note: Although attributed to the period of the Avanti Kingdom by Mitchiner, and to the area around Malwa, other sources report that these coins are only found to the northeast, in the Surasena area (Mathura). [see Jain, Ancient Indian Coinage, page 46]

Saurashtra Penninsula Eastern Deccan

Mauryan Empire (321 - 187 BC)

Period of Chandragupta (circa 321 - 297 BC)AR Karshapana (Series V)Mitchiner ACW 4215; Gupta/Hardaker ISPC 523 (type V XVI C 112)15 x 12 mm.3.43 gm.Die position=n/aObverse: 5 punched symbols: Sun, 6-armed symbol, four bull heads around pellet, figure walking left and dog or hare within crescent.Reverse: Four bull heads around pellet (Gupta/Hardaker ISPC mark 14).

General series (circa 321 - 187 BC)AR One RattiMitchiner ACW 4272; Gupta/Hardaker ISPC -4 mm.0.11 gm.Die position=n/aObverse: 1 punched symbol: 6-armed symbol.Reverse: Blank.

Period of Ashoka (circa 272 - 232 BC)AR Karshapana (Series Vb)Mitchiner ACW 4229 - 4234v.; Gupta/Hardaker ISPC 510v. (type V XIV A 21)11 x13 mm.3.40 gm.Die position=n/aObverse: At least 5 punched symbols: Sun; 6-armed symbol; Ashoka's regal symbol; tree (?), bull.Reverse: Pellet surrounded by 4 crescents (Gupta/Hardaker ISPC mark 478) stamped over rooster on stupa symbol (Gupta/Hardaker ISPC mark 265); 2 large crescents with pellet weakly struck.

Anonymous (circa 270-150 BC)AR Karshapana (Series VI)Gupta/Hardaker ISPC 544v. (type VI IV B 5)15 mm.3.08 gm.Die position=n/a

Obverse: Reverse:

Anonymous (circa 270-150 BC)AR Karshapana (Series VI)Mitchiner ACW 4185; Gupta/Hardaker ISPC 571 (type VI IV E 27)12 x 11 mm.3.34 gm.Die position=n/aObverse: 5 punched symbols: Sun, 6-armed symbol, humped bull, stupa, 'm' within rectangle.Reverse: Four bull heads around pellet (Gupta/Hardaker ISPC mark 14).

Anonymous (circa 270-150 BC)AR Karshapana (Series VI)Mitchiner ACW 4195-4197; Gupta/Hardaker ISPC 574 (type VI IV F 145)15 x 12 mm.3.42 gm.Die position=n/aObverse: 5 punched symbols: Sun, 6-armed symbol, hill symbol, plant symbol and humped bull.Reverse: Pellet surrounded by 2 crescents and 2 arrow-type symbols (Gupta/Hardaker ISPC mark 473 'Taxila' symbol).

[4195_5]AR Karshapana

Anonymous (circa 270-150 BC)AR Karshapana (Series VI)Mitchiner ACW 4195-4197; Gupta/Hardaker ISPC 574 (type VI IV F 145)14 x16 mm.3.28 gm.Die position=n/aObverse: 5 punched symbols: Sun, 6-armed symbol, hill symbol, plant symbol and humped bull.Reverse: Pellet surrounded by 2 crescents and 2 arrow-type symbols (Gupta/Hardaker ISPC mark 473 'Taxila' symbol).

Anonymous (circa 270-150 BC)AR Karshapana (Series VI)Mitchiner ACW 4195-4197; Gupta/Hardaker ISPC 574 (type VI IV F 145)16 x 13 mm.3.34 gm.Die position=n/aObverse: 5 punched symbols: Sun, 6-armed symbol, hill symbol, plant symbol and humped bull.

Reverse: Pellet surrounded by 2 crescents and 2 arrow-type symbols (Gupta/Hardaker ISPC mark 473 'Taxila' symbol).

Anonymous (circa 210-190 BC)AR Karshapana (Series VII)Mitchiner ACW 4247v.; Gupta/Hardaker ISPC 584v. (type VII I A 18)14 mm.3.42 gm.Die position=n/aObverse: 5 punched symbols: 3 separate human figures, dog and Gupta/Hardaker ISPC mark 18.Reverse: 'Standard' (Gupta/Hardaker ISPC mark 474).

Anonymous (circa 210-190 BC)AR Karshapana (Series VII)Mitchiner ACW 4245v.; Gupta/Hardaker ISPC 590 (type VII II C 24)12 x15 mm.2.42 gm.Die position=n/aObverse: 3 punched symbols: 3 figures, rooster on stupa and geometrical symbol.Reverse: Rooster on stupa symbol (Gupta/Hardaker ISPC mark 477).

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[temp list]

Anonymous (circa 210-190 BC)AR Karshapana (Series VII (?))Gupta/Hardaker ISPC 594 type variant (?)

13 x 12 mm.2.72 gm.Die position=n/aObverse: Reverse:

Anonymous (circa 270-150 BC)AR Karshapana (Series VIb)Gupta/Hardaker ISPC 56612 x 13 mm.2.38 gm.Die position=n/aObverse: Reverse:

Anonymous (circa ___ BC)AR KarshapanaGupta/Hardaker ISPC ___ (type ___)21 x 20 mm.1.72 gm.Die position=n/aObverse: Reverse:

Anonymous (circa ___ BC)AR KarshapanaGupta/Hardaker ISPC ___ (type ___)14 x 16 mm.

3.05 gm.Die position=n/aObverse: Reverse:

Anonymous (circa 210-190 BC)AR Karshapana (Series VII)Gupta/Hardaker ISPC 59110 x 15 mm.2.57 gm.Die position=n/aObverse: Reverse:

Hephthalites in Malwa (?) (c.475-530 CE)AE FractionMitchiner ACW 4902v. (?)6 x 7 mm.0.24 gm.Die position=n/aObverse: Sankh shell; crescents.Reverse: Inscription (?); tamgha (?)

Anonymous (circa 270-150 BC)AR Karshapana (Series VIb)Gupta/Hardaker ISPC 560v.16 x 12 mm.3.17 gm.Die position=n/aObverse: Reverse:

Anonymous (circa 210-190 BC)AR Karshapana (Series VII)Gupta/Hardaker ISPC 586-587v.14 x 11 mm.2.68 gm.Die position=n/aObverse: Reverse:

Anonymous (circa 210-190 BC)AR Karshapana (Series VII)Gupta/Hardaker ISPC 59114 mm.2.68 gm.Die position=n/aObverse: Reverse:

Anonymous (circa ___ BC)AR KarshapanaGupta/Hardaker ISPC ___ (type ___)18 x 17 mm.2.94 gm.Die position=n/aObverse: Reverse:

Anonymous (circa ___ BC)AR KarshapanaGupta/Hardaker ISPC ___ (type ___)15 x 13 mm.2.61 gm.Die position=n/aObverse: Reverse:

Anonymous (circa ___ BC)AR KarshapanaGupta/Hardaker ISPC ___ (type ___)16 x 13 mm.2.35 gm.Die position=n/aObverse: Reverse:

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Sunga Kingdom (187 - 75 BC)

Period of Pushyamitra Sunga (circa 187 - 151 BC)AR Karshapana (Pataliputra mint)Mitchiner ACW 4305; Gupta/Hardaker ISPC 576 (type VI IV G 122)15 x 11 mm.3.39 gm.Die position=n/aObverse: 5 punched symbols: Sun, 6-armed symbol, humped bull with standard, stupa and railed tree.Reverse: Square divided by cross (Gupta/Hardaker ISPC mark 20).

Low denomination cast copper coinage of the period

AE Half KarshapanaMitchiner ACW 4348 - 435215 x 15 mm.2.88 gm.Die position=3hObverse: Cross left, three-arched hill (chaitya) with crescent, above; railed tree, right.Reverse: Elephant left, over symbol. Swastika with bull head above.

Sunga kings (circa 175 BC - 75 BC)AE 1/4 KarshapanaMitchiner ACW 4366-4370 type 15 x 13 mm.2.00 gm.Die position=n/aObverse: Elephant (?) left.Reverse: Hill symbol.

Ujjain symbol series

Anonymous/Symbol series (circa 150 - 75 BC)AE Half KarshapanaMitchiner ACW 4620v.18 x 19 mm.5.26 gm.Die position=n/aObverse: 6-armed symbol, railed tree to left, standard to right; rectangles containing frogs and fish above and below, taurine symbol and swastika to left, Ujjain symbol to right.Reverse: Ujjain symbol (4-armed 'swirls' within annulets).

Anonymous/Symbol series (circa 150 - 75 BC)AE Half Karshapana (?)Mitchiner ACW 4620v.19 x 21 mm.6.20 gm.Die position=n/aObverse: 6-armed symbol, railed tree to left, standard to right; rectangle containing frogs and fish above, taurine (?) symbols below, other symbols.Reverse: Ujjain symbol (4-armed 'swirls' within annulets).

Anonymous/Symbol series (circa 150 - 75 BC)AE Quarter Karshapana (?)Mitchiner ACW 4622v.14 x 13 mm.3.35 gm.Die position=n/aObverse: Railed tree to right, 'plant' and swastika to left; mountains (?) below.Reverse: Ujjain symbol (annulets within annulets).

Anonymous/Symbol series (circa 150 - 75 BC)AE Masha (circa 150 - 75 BC)Mitchiner ACW 462814 x 13 mm.

1.86 gm.Die position=n/aObverse: Swastika with bull head ends.Reverse: 6-armed and other symbols.

Ujjain Karttikeya and Lakshmi series

Anonymous/Karttikeya and Lakshmi series (circa 150 - 75 BC)AE Half KarshapanaMitchiner ACW 4635v.16 x 19 mm.4.68 gm.Die position=n/aObverse: Single-headed Karttikeya standing, wheel symbol to left, railed tree to right, standard to left; taurine symbol below, bull standing right.Reverse: Ujjain symbol (swastikas within annulets).

Anonymous/Karttikeya and Lakshmi series (circa 150 - 75 BC)AE Half KarshapanaMitchiner ACW 4635v.16 x 17 mm.5.55 gm.Die position=n/aObverse: Single-headed Karttikeya standing in right field, facing left, holding standard and (?); bull (?) facing right, railed tree above. Other symbols.Reverse: Ujjain symbol (taurine symbols within annulets); 4 stupas with crescents above in fields.

Anonymous/Karttikeya and Lakshmi series (circa 150 - 75 BC)AE Half Karshapana

Mitchiner ACW 4634v.17 x 16 mm.3.85 gm.Die position=n/aObverse: Figure standing facing, railed tree with swastika above to right; Ujjain symbol with wheel symbol above, to left. Other symbols.Reverse: Ujjain symbol (4-armed 'swirls' within annulets).

Anonymous/Karttikeya and Lakshmi series (circa 150 - 75 BC)AE Quarter KarshapanaMitchiner ACW 4636v.12 mm.1.28 gm.Die position=n/aObverse: Single-headed Karttikeya standing facing left, holding standard and (?); Ujjain symbol with swastika above, to right; railed tree to left. Other symbols.Reverse: Ujjain symbol (taurine symbols within annulets).

Anonymous/Karttikeya and Lakshmi series (circa 150 - 75 BC)AE Quarter Karshapana (?)Mitchiner ACW 4640v.20 x 18 mm.2.23 gm.Die position=n/aObverse: Lakshmi seated facing, railed tree to right; six-armed symbol to left, animal (?) below. Other symbols.Reverse: Ujjain symbol (taurine symbols within annulets).

Ujjain animal series

Anonymous/Animal series (circa 150 - 75 BC)AE Half Karshapana (circa 150 - 75 BC)Mitchiner ACW 4649v.18 x 17 mm.3.62 gm.Die position=n/aObverse: Bull right, with symbol and bull head above; railed tree, right.Reverse: 'Ujjain symbol' (?).

Later Sunga kings

AR Half Karshapana (circa 150 BC - 100 AD)Mitchiner ACW 4381v. 17 x 13 mm.2.39 gm.Die position=12hObverse: Cross left, three-arched hill (chaitya) with crescent, above; railed tree, right.Reverse: Elephant left; symbol.

Later Sunga kings (circa 150 BC - 100 AD)AE Half KarshapanaMagnetic (!)Mitchiner ACW 4381v. 16 x 13 mm.

2.31 gm.Die position=n/aObverse: Horse (?) left.Reverse: Cross left, three-arched hill (chaitya) with crescent, above; railed tree, right.

Northern India during the post-Mauryan Period(220 BC - 80 AD)Northern Pakistan

Pushkalavati

Anonymous early series of Pushkalavati (circa 220 - 185 BC)AE KarshapanaMitchiner ACW 438921 x 18 mm.7.75 gm.Die position=n/aObverse: Mound of 9 pellets, stupa with crescent above; river and other symbols below.Reverse: Blank.

Anonymous late series of Pushkalavati (circa 185 - 160 BC)AE 1 1/2 KarshapanaMitchiner ACW 440224 x 17 mm. (rectangular)7.85 gm.Die position=6hreverseObverse: Elephant right; stupa with crescent above. Reverse: Lion left; swastika above.

Taxila

AE Half Karshapana (Later series: circa 180 - 160 BC)Mitchiner ACW 441822 x 21 mm.5.30 gm.Die position=9hObverse: Railed tree or floral ornament.Reverse: Cross, right; traces of three-arched hill (chaitya), left.

AE Quarter Karshapana (Later series: circa 180 - 160 BC)Mitchiner ACW 442214 mm.1.92 gm.Die position=6hObverse: Three-arched hill (chaitya), crescent above; 'ta' right.Reverse: Three-arched hill (chaitya), crescent above; 'ta' left.

Punjab States: Northern Group Kuninda

Later issues in the name of Amoghabhuti (circa 20 BC - 80 AD)AE KarshapanaMitchiner ACW 445817 mm.2.40 gm.Die position=5hObverse: Deer right, ancillary symbols around; Brahmi legend.Reverse: Stupa with pellet above, river beneath; swastika, ancillary symbols around. No Karosthi legend (?).

Punjab States: Southern Group States in the Mathura Region East of the Punjab States: Panchalas of Ahichhatra

Early Kings

Period of early kings/Jyeshthamitra (?) (circa 150 - 75 BC)AE 1/4 KarshapanaMitchiner ACW 4535v.13 x 12 mm.1.30 gm.Die position=5hObverse: Panchala symbols; Brahmi legend.Reverse: Railed tree with other symbols.

Period of early kings/Jyeshthamitra (?) (circa 150 - 75 BC)AE 1/4 KarshapanaMitchiner ACW 4535v.11 mm.0.96 gm.Die position=6hObverse: Panchala symbols; Brahmi legend.Reverse: Railed tree with other symbols.

Middle Group of Mitra Kings

Bhumimitra (circa 50 - 1 BC)AE Double KarshapanaMitchiner ACW 454525 mm.14.71 gm.Die position=11hObverse: Deity with snake's hair holding snake, standing on pedestal; columns or trees to either side. Reverse: Panchala symbols; Brahmi legend, 'Bhumimitra'.

States in the Ganges Valley

The Deccan, Penninsular India and Ceylon(circa 200 BC - 225 AD)The Andhras (Satavahanas) of the Deccan

The Early Satakarnis

Satakarni Family Issues (circa 39 BC - 220 AD)Billon KarshapanaMitchiner ACW 4941-4952, 4963-4965, 4967, 4969-497018 x 21 mm.3.34 gm.Die position=n/aObverse: Elephant right; Brahmi legend.Reverse: Satavahana symbol.

Gautamiputra Sri Yajna Satakarni (circa 172 - 201 AD)Billon KarshapanaMitchiner ACW 496718 mm.2.82 gm.Die position=n/aObverse: Elephant right; Brahmi legend.Reverse: Satavahana symbol.

The Andhrabhrityas (Andhra Feudatries) Elephant Maharathis of the Lower Tungabhadra Valley

Civic Coinage (30 BC - 70 AD)PB UnitMitchiner ACW -30 x 33 mm.23.89 gm.Die position=12hObverse: Elephant left; Nandipada symbol (!) and Brahmi legend, above.Reverse: Railed tree.Note: This is a modern forgery.Chutus of Banavasi

Civic Coinage (160 - 345 AD)PB Double KarshapanaMitchiner ACW 497128 mm.11.11 gm.Die position=12hObverse: Eight-arched hill (chaitya); Brahmi legend.Reverse: Sacred railed tree; traces of nandipana symbol on each side.

Civic Coinage (160 - 345 AD)PB Double KarshapanaMitchiner ACW 4971v.27 mm.14.67 gm.Die position=1hObverse: Six-arched hill (chaitya); Brahmi legend.Reverse: Sacred railed tree; river (?) above and to right.

The Pandyas of Madura The Cheras (Keralaputras)

Cheras of Kerala (?) (circa 100 BC - 400 AD (?))AE UnitMitchiner NIS 800v. type18 x 16 mm.5.33 gm.Die position=12hObverse: Elephant right.Reverse: Bow and arrow.

Cheras of Kerala (?) (circa 100 BC - 400 AD (?))AE UnitMitchiner NIS 801v. type11 x 10 mm.

0.81 gm.Die position=12hObverse: Horse right.Reverse: Bow and arrow.

Cheras of Kerala (?) (circa 100 BC - 400 AD (?))AE UnitMitchiner NIS 801v. type13 x 10 mm.0.61 gm.Die position=6hObverse: Horse left.Reverse: Bow and arrow.

Cheras of Kerala (?) (circa 100 BC - 400 AD (?))AE UnitMagnetic (!)Mitchiner NIS 801v. type11 x 10 mm.1.40 gm.Die position=6hObverse: Elephant (?) right.Reverse: Bow and arrow.

Cheras of Kerala (?) (circa 100 BC - 400 AD (?))AE UnitMitchiner NIS 801v. type13 x 10 mm.2.00 gm.Die position=12hObverse: Elephant (?) right.Reverse: Bow and arrow.

Cheras of Kerala (?) (circa 100 BC - 400 AD (?))AE UnitMagnetic (!)Mitchiner NIS 801v. type12 x 10 mm.0.92 gm.Die position=6hObverse: Horse right; star above.Reverse: Bow and arrow.

Non-Pandyan types Indo-Roman coinage CeylonPlease go to the Sri Lanka pageIndo-Roman coinage in CeylonPlease go to the Sri Lanka page

The Deccan after the AndhrasThe Ikshvaku-Abhira period

Ikshvaku Dynasty

Anonymous (227 - 306 AD)PB DrachmMitchiner ACW 5075v.14 mm.3.27 gm.Die position=n/aObverse: Elephant standing right (?).Reverse: 'Satavahana' symbol.

The Northern and Western Deccanduring the Vakataka-Kadamba period

The Early Kalachuris

Sankaragana (circa 575 - 600 AD) (?)AR DrachmMitchiner ACW 5093v. (?)12 mm.1.91 gm.Die position=n/aObverse: Crude bust right in Gupta style; legend (?).Reverse: Brahmi (?) legend.Gurjuras

Rana Vigraha (circa 640 AD)AR Fractional DrachmMitchiner ACW 5108 - 51108 mm.0.32 gm.Die position=n/aObverse: Brahmi (?) legend around three dotsReverse: Traces of design (?).

The Southeastern Deccan and Mysoreunder the Pallavas and Vishnukundins

Vishnukundins

Anonymous (circa 475 - 615 AD)AE/FE Panchi (magnetic)

Mitchiner ACW 5122-5125v.22 mm.8.45 gm.Die position=12hObverse: Sankh shell between standards. Ornamental border.Reverse: Lion standing right with paw raised.

Vishnukundins: Anonymous (circa 475 - 615 AD)AE/FE Panchi (magnetic)Mitchiner NIS 628-632 type18 x 19 mm.6.33 gm.Die position=9hObverse: Sankh shell between standards; ornamental border.Reverse: Lion standing right with paw raised.

Vishnukundins: Anonymous (circa 475 - 615 AD)AE/FE Panchi (magnetic)Mitchiner NIS 628-632 type17 mm.5.16 gm.Die position=n/aObverse: Sankh shell between standards; ornamental border.Reverse: Lion standing right with paw raised.Vishnukundins/Chalukyas

Sri Modhawa (?) (circa 550 AD (?))AR/FE Unit (magnetic)

Mitchiner ACW -14 mm.1.72 gm.Die position=12hObverse: Bull, right. Brahmi legend (?).Reverse: Sankh shell between standards. Ornamental border.Eastern Chalukya issues of Vishnukundin type

Uncertain ruler of the Kalinga region (circa 650 AD)AE/FE Unit (magnetic)Mitchiner ACW 5131v.11 mm.0.80 gm.Die position=1hObverse: Lion standing right with uncertain legend above.Reverse: Sankh shell with lamp on each side; ornamental border.

Penninsular India during the period of its eclipseby the Pallavas and the ensuing Pandya resurgence Indo-Roman coinage Ceylon

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The Ganges Valley and adjacent regionsduring the Kushan and post-Kushan periodsYaudheyas of Punjab

Civic Coinage (300 - 340 AD)AE Tetradrachm (Early series, division 2)Mitchiner ACW 4711 - 471525 mm.10.62 gm.Die position=12hObverse: Karttikeya standind facing, holding sceptre; peacock on right. In Brahmi:'Yaudheya Ganasya Jaya' (Victory to the Yaudheya people).

Reverse: Goddess standing with hand on hip, wearing transparent garment; lotus and nandipana symbol in field.

Civic Coinage (300 - 340 AD)AE Tetradrachm (Late series, division 1)Mitchiner ACW 4719 - 472122 mm.10.30 gm.Die position=12hObverse: Karttikeya standind facing, holding sceptre; peacock on right. In Brahmi:'Yaudheya Ganasya Jaya' (Victory to the Yaudheya people).Reverse: Goddess standing with hand on hip, wearing transparent garment.

Nagas of Narwar

Ganapati Naga (circa 340 AD)AE UnitMitchiner ACW 4739 - 47508 mm.0.67 gm.Die position=n/aObverse: Humped bull standing left.Reverse: In Brahmi:'Maharaja Sri Ganendra'.

Ganapati Naga (circa 340 AD)

AE UnitMitchiner ACW 4739 - 47507 mm.0.18 gm.Die position=n/aObverse: Humped bull standing left.Reverse: In Brahmi:'Maharaja Sri Ganendra'.

The Gupta Empire and its successorsGupta Empire

Samudragupta (circa 335 - 380 AD)AV StaterMitchiner ACW 478020 mm.7.50 gm.Die position=12hObverse: King standing left, holding long sceptre in left hand, right hand lowered to an altar; Garuda standard to left. In Brahmi:'Samudra' in right field; and partial marginal legend.Reverse: Goddess Lakshmi enthroned facing, holding cornucopia; symbol to left. In Brahmi:'Parakramah' to right.

Kumaragupta I (414 - 455 AD)AR Drachm (Western provinces Garuda type)Mitchiner ACW 4845 - 485411 mm.2.03 gm.Die position=6hObverse: Bust of king, right.Reverse: Formalized Garuda standing facing with spread

wings. In Brahmi:'Parama-bhagavata rajahiraja Sri Kumaragupta Mahendraditya'.

Skandagupta (455 -480 AD)AR Drachm (Western provinces Bull type)Mitchiner ACW 4879 - 488212 mm.1.82 gm.Die position=3hObverse: Bust of king, right.Reverse: Humped bull seated right. In Brahmi:'Parama-bhagavata Sri Skandagupta Kramaditya'.

Successor states in Saurashtra and the west Kingdom of the Maitrakas of Valabhi

Anonymous (470 - 800 AD)Billon Drachm (Later issues)Mitchiner ACW 4897 - 489811 mm.1.95 gm.Die position=7hObverse: Bust of king, right.Reverse: Trident with curved prongs and side-arm. Corrupt Brahmi legend.

Successor states in Malwa Bundelkhand and Bagelkhand Central and Eastern provinces West Central provinces

Vardhanas (Pushyabhutis)

Siladitya, Harshavardhana (606 - 647 AD)AR DrachmMitchiner ACW 4933 - 493714 mm.2.25 gm.Die position=12hObverse: Bust of king, left.Reverse: Formalized Garuda standing facing with spread wings. In Brahmi:'Vijitavanir-avanapati Sri Siladitya divam jayati'.This is a coin of the famous king Harsha, whom the Chinese Buddhist pilgrim, Xuanzang, met in 642.

Gurjura Kingdom of Sindh

Anonymous (circa 570 - 700 AD)AR DrachmMitchiner NIS 215v.22 mm.3.73 gm.Die position=3hObverse: Stylized Sasanian-like bust, right.Reverse: Stylized fire altar.

Anonymous (circa 570 - 700 AD)AR DrachmMitchiner NIS 216v.

22 mm.3.63 gm.Die position=3hObverse: Stylized Sasanian-like bust, right.Reverse: Stylized fire altar.

Anonymous (circa 570 - 700 AD)AR DrachmMitchiner NIS 217v.22 mm.3.69 gm.Die position=8hObverse: Stylized Sasanian-like bust, right.Reverse: Stylized fire altar.

Anonymous (circa 570 - 700 AD)AR DrachmMitchiner NIS 217v.22 mm.3.90 gm.Die position=4hObverse: Stylized Sasanian-like bust, right.Reverse: Stylized fire altar.

Anonymous (circa 570 - 700 AD)AR DrachmMitchiner NIS 218v.22 mm.4.12 gm.Die position=7hObverse: Stylized Sasanian-like bust, right.Reverse: Stylized fire altar.The coins listed above are sometimes referred to as Indo-Sasanian or Hephthalite coins.

Imperial Pratiharas

Anonymous (circa 780 - 980 AD)AR DrachmMitchiner NIS 364v.20 mm.3.97 gm.Die position=10hObverse: Stylized Sasanian-like bust, right. Brahmi Sri DaMa (?)Reverse: Stylized fire altar.

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Shahi Kings of Kabul and Gandhara

Spalapati Deva (circa 800 - 880 AD)AR DrachmMitchiner ACW 1576 - 157918 mm.3.38 gm.Die position=6hObverse: Horseman holding spear riding right.Reverse: Humped bull with Brahmi name above.

Samanta Deva (circa 850 - 970 AD)AR DrachmMitchiner ACW 158520 x 19 mm.

3.20 gm.Die position=3hObverse: Stylized horseman holding spear riding right.Reverse: Stylized humped bull with Brahmi name above.

Samanta Deva (circa 850 - 970 AD)AR DrachmMitchiner ACW 1585 - 158818 mm.3.28 gm.Die position=7hObverse: Stylized horseman holding spear riding right.Reverse: Stylized humped bull with Brahmi name above.

Rajput Dynasties of Saurashtra and Gujarat Saindhava/Chalukya/Abhira/Chapa seriesof Saurashtra and Gujarat

Anonymous (circa 800 - 950 AD)AR DrachmMitchiner NIS 419-42218 mm.4.07 gm.Die position=9hObverse: Stylized Sasanian-like bust, right.Reverse: Stylized fire altar.

Chaulukya series of Saurashtra and Gujarat

Anonymous (circa 950 - 1050 AD)AR DrachmMitchiner NIS 423-42617 mm.4.20 gm.Die position=8hObverse: Stylized Sasanian-like bust, right.Reverse: Stylized fire altar.

Anonymous (circa 950 - 1050 AD)AR DrachmMitchiner NIS 423-42617 mm.3.98 gm.Die position=3hObverse: Stylized Sasanian-like bust, right.Reverse: Stylized fire altar.

Chaulukya/Paramara series of Saurashtra, Gujarat and Malwa

Anonymous (circa 1050 - 1150 AD)AR DrachmMitchiner NIS 42814 mm.4.57 gm.Die position=3hObverse: Stylized Sasanian-like bust, right.Reverse: Stylized fire altar.The coins listed above are sometimes referred to as Indo-Sasanian or Hephthalite coins.

Silaharas of North Konkan

Anonymous (circa 1000 - 1200 AD)AR DrachmMitchiner NIS 651v.14 mm.4.42 gm.Die position=12hObverse: Stylized Sasanian-like bust, right. Brahmi legend.Reverse: Stylized horseman spearing two fallen enemies.

Anonymous Bull and Horseman Coinageof Rajputana and the Punjab

'Samanta Deva' (circa 1100 - 1200 AD)AR DrachmMitchiner NIS 477 - 483v. (base coin)14 and 8 mm.4.12 gm.Die position=n/aObverse: Stylized horseman, right.Reverse: Stylized bull seated left but with later metallic addition; another specimen reads 'adl (just) in Arabic on the smaller coin. Unusual.

Western Gangas

Anonymous (circa 1080 - 1138 AD (and later))AV FanamMitchiner NIS 7037 mm.0.36 gm.Die position=n/aObverse: Caparisoned elephant standing right.Reverse: Ornamental floral scroll.

Cholas of Thanjavur

Uttama Chola (973 - 985 AD)AR KahavanuMitchiner NIS 713 - 72519 mm.4.24 gm.Die position=1hObverse: Tiger seated facing right, yelling at two fish; bow and torch behind. Torch to right of fish; umbrella above.Reverse: Nagari legend 'Uttama Cholah'.

Rajaraja Chola (985 - 1014 AD)AE UnitMitchiner NIS 730 - 73120 mm.3.93 gm.Die position=10hObverse: King standing. Torch (?) on left; group of spheres with central dots on right, surmounted by a crescent.Reverse: King enthroned; Nagari legend.

Rajaraja Chola (985 - 1014 AD)AE UnitMitchiner NIS 732 - 73619 mm.3.41 gm.

Die position=12hObverse: King standing. Torch (?) on left; group of spheres without central dots on right, surmounted by a crescent.Reverse: King enthroned; Nagari legend.

Gahadavalas of Kanauj and Banares

Govinda Chandra (1114 - 1154 AD)AV StaterMitchiner NIS 490-49620 mm.4.18 gm.Die position=6hObverse: Four-armed Lakshmi seated, facing.Reverse: Nagari legend.

Govinda Chandra (1114 - 1154 AD)AV StaterMitchiner NIS 490-49617 mm.3.91 gm.Die position=7hObverse: Four-armed Lakshmi seated, facing.Reverse: Nagari legend.Note: Later style.

Kashmir Coinage of the Early Kings

Toramana II (530 - 570 AD) Please go to the Hephthalites page.Anonymous Derivatives of the Toramana Coinage (570 - 855 AD)

Duptala DynastySankaravarman (883 - 902 AD)

Gopalavarman (902 - 904 AD)

Gopalavarman (902 - 904 AD)AE StaterMitchiner NIS 161 - 16318 mm.5.70 gm.Die position=12hObverse: Enthroned Ardoxsho facing; Nagari legend: 'GoPaLa' right.Reverse: King standing.Sugandha Rani (904 - 906 AD) Parthavarman (906 - 921; 934 - 935 AD) Chakravarman (923 - 933; 935; 936 - 937 AD) Unmattavanti (937 - 939 AD)

Dynasties of Yashaskara and ParvaguptaKshemagupta with Didda Rani (950 - 958 AD) Abhimanyugupta (958 - 972 AD) Nandigupta (972 - 973 AD) Didda Rani [sole reign] (979 - 1003 AD)

Queen Didda Rani (979 - 1003 AD)AE StaterMitchiner NIS 177 - 178v.18 mm.5.92 gm.Die position=11hObverse: Enthroned Ardoxsho facing; Nagari legend: 'Sri' left and 'DiDda' right.Reverse: Queen standing.

First Lohara DynastySangrama Deva (1003 - 1028 AD)

Sangrama Deva (1003 - 1028 AD)AE StaterMitchiner NIS 179 - 18020 mm.6.09 gm.Die position=11hObverse: Enthroned Ardoxsho facing; Nagari legend: 'Sa' left and 'NgraMa' right.Reverse: King standing.Ananta Deva (1028 - 1063 AD) Kalasa (1063 - 1089 AD)

Kalasa (1063 - 1089 AD)AE StaterMitchiner NIS 18319 mm.6.32 gm.Die position=11hMagnetic. Obverse: Reverse:Harsha (1089 - 1101 AD)

Second Lohara DynastySussala (1112 - 1120 AD) Jayasimha Deva (1123 - 1155 AD)

Jayasimha Deva (1123 - 1155 AD)

AE StaterMitchiner NIS 19118 mm.6.02 gm.Die position=11hObverse: Enthroned Ardoxsho facing; Nagari legend: 'JaYa' left and 'SiMha' right.Reverse: King standing.Paramanuka (1155 - 1165 AD)

Paramanuka (1155 - 1165 AD)AE StaterMitchiner NIS 19219 mm.5.86 gm.Die position=5hObverse: Enthroned Ardoxsho facing; Nagari legend: 'Sri' left and 'PaRa' right.Reverse: King standing.

Dynasty of VuppadevaJaga Deva (1199 - 1213 AD)

Jaga Deva (1199 - 1213 AD)AE StaterMitchiner NIS 195 -19619 mm.6.17 gm.Die position=11hObverse: Enthroned Ardoxsho facing; Nagari legend: 'Ja' left and 'Ga' right.Reverse: King standing.

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Kangra Rajas

'Chandradeva Kapa' (?) (circa 1215 AD)AE JitalMitchiner NIS ?, Tye #6413 mm.3.20 gm.Die position=12h (?)Obverse: Stylized winged horse (?).Reverse: Stylized bull; Nagari legend. Specimen number 182 from excavation in Badla (1881).

Sultanate of Delhi

Ghiyath al-Din Balban (1265 - 1287 AD)Billon 2 GaniMitchiner WOI 252615 mm.3.48 gm.Die position=5hObverse: Arabic legend surrounded by Nagari legend.Reverse: Arabic legend.

'Ala' ud-Din Mohammed Shah II (1296 - 1316 AD)Billon 2 GaniMitchiner WOI 2569

15 mm.3.53 gm.Die position=6hObverse: Arabic legend.Reverse: Arabic legend.

'Ala' ud-Din Mohammed Shah II (1296 - 1316 AD)AR Tanka AH 704 (1304 /1305 AD)Mitchiner WOI 254727 mm.10.85 gm.Die position=10hObverse: Arabic legend.Reverse: Arabic legend.

Qutb ud-Din Mubarak (1316 - 1320 AD)Billon 8 Gani AH 719 (1319 /1320 AD)Mitchiner WOI ?15 x 15 mm.3.60 gm.Die position=2hObverse: Arabic legend.Reverse: Arabic legend.

Mohammed III ibn Tughluq (1325 - 1351 AD)AE Tanka / Token Currency (1329 AD)

Mitchiner WOI ?21 mm.9.07 gm.Die position=9hObverse: Arabic legend.Reverse: Persian legend.

Vijayanagar Kingdom

Unknown Sangama Ruler (1357 - 1450 AD)Billon KasuUnpublished16 mm.3.59 gm.Die position=3hObverse: Monkey god Hanuman running right.Reverse: Stylized elephant (?) right, crescent above.

Bahamids of Kulbarga

Firoz Shah (1397 - 1421 AD)AE PaisaKhan 10517 mm.5.28 gm.Die position=2hObverse: Arabic legend.Reverse: Arabic legend.

Ahmad Shah II (1435 - 1457 AD)AE Heavy PaisaKhan -21 mm.13.39 gm.Die position=9hObverse: Arabic legend.Reverse: Arabic legend.

Kingdom of Juanpur

Husain Shah (1458 - 1479 AD)AE TankaMitchiner WOI ?17 mm.9.71 gm.Die position=1hObverse: Arabic legend.Reverse: Arabic legend.

Pandyas of Madurai

Bhuvaneka Viran Samarakolakalan (circa 1470 AD)AE Unit

Mitchiner NIS 1151 - 115215 mm.3.11 gm.Die position=10hObverse: Garuda running left.Reverse: Legend.

Mughal Empire

Jalal al-Din Akbar (1556 - 1605 AD)AR Rupee AH 983 (1576/1577 AD)Mitchiner WOI 304027 mm.11.43 gm.Die position=11hObverse: Arabic legend.Reverse: Arabic legend.

Nayakas of Tinnevelly

Anonymous (circa 1650 AD)AE Two KasuMitchiner NIS 124013 mm.2.50 gm.Die position=9hObverse: Venkatesvara standing beneath doorway.Reverse: Legend.