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 Replies: 9 / Views: 1,214 |
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Moderator
 United States
23731 Posts |
Can across this coin being sold by a dealer I buy from time to time. He identified it as an Indo-Greek with fire altar reverse. Never seeing an Indo-Greek coin with this designed I started to investigate and contacted a few friends that are better versed in this area. My suspicions were right it is not Indo-Greek, but it is Indian. The coin is from a little known Indian empire that controlled Deccan, Orissa, and parts of Southern India in the 5th and 6th centuries AD. The empire was known as Visnukundina. From what I've been able to find out the empire had six rulers from the mid 440's to about 624 AD when the empire fell. Potin Visnukundina empire @ 5th - 6th centuries Obverse: Stylized lion prancing right Reverse: Conch shell between two standards There is no legend on this coin 23mm x 7.66g x 5h unconfirmed reference: AICR 757   |
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Rest in Peace
United States
17900 Posts |
Very nice coin. I sold the only one of these I've ever had many years ago because I was offered a very good price, and I've regretted it ever since.
Yous is much nicer than the one I had.
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Moderator
United States
34430 Posts |
Interesting coin and back story Ron. Any idea about the symbol that is right in front of the lion's mouth? It looks a little like a modern boat anchor to me, but clearly was something else in the 5th Century.
"If you climb a good tree, you get a push."
-----Ghanaian proverb
"The danger we all now face is distinguishing between what is authentic and what is performed."
-----King Adz
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7066 Posts |
Edited by Kamnaskires
12/05/2016 8:00 pm
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Moderator
 United States
23731 Posts |
Thanks for the comments. It's interesting to see how many kingdoms existed in India during ancient times that struck coins. Most that I never heard of but am just finding out about as I delve into the eastern kingdoms. Sine I found this one I've seen about half a dozen more on other coin sites. I have no idea what they are worth but for $26.00 I figured I didn't do too bad. Dave I don't know what that symbol is, I'll see if I can find out.
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Moderator
United States
23731 Posts |
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Moderator
United States
34430 Posts |
Ok yes I think you've got it!
"If you climb a good tree, you get a push."
-----Ghanaian proverb
"The danger we all now face is distinguishing between what is authentic and what is performed."
-----King Adz
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Pillar of the Community
 Spain
2752 Posts |
Wow nice coin echizento  I really like the stylised lion shape. Hadn't heard of this empire before so did a bit of research.. Maybe it'll help but you probably already know this? The Vishnukundins minted coins using a unique method: First, the circular coin flan was produced by the casting process and later, the designs and symbols were die- struck on the coin. A new type of Vishnukundin coin has been discovered recently in which, the obverse featured a bearded warrior riding on a caparisoned horse. The warrior has a long cap, coat and trousers. This seems to be the earliest coin of South India showing a warrior on horseback. Maybe your next coin  Thanks for sharing Saludos Paul |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
6130 Posts |
Very nice coin that I have never seen or even heard of before! I saw that one on ebay but it just didn't scream "buy me!" Glad it has a good home now! |
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Moderator
United States
23731 Posts |
Paul thanks for the additional information, now that I know about this empire I will be keeping a look out for more coin types.
Thanks Steve, It was odd enough for me to jump on.
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Replies: 9 / Views: 1,214 |
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Posted 12/05/2016 7:09 pm
