So some of saw my thread on the development of coinage in Southeast Asia. I briefly touched on the coin type referred to as the Rising Sun. In this thread I will show you an early (and scarce) version of the Rising Sun. These are attributed to Funan AD 200-550. Yet evidence suggests a Burma origin for the RS type. There are also quite a few variations for the Rising Sun. Smaller lighter coins being minted in Cambodia and Vietnam, while thicker 30 mm examples have a large report from Thailand. The largest and thinnest coins are concentrated in two locations. One in Burma and a large deposit (100 or so coins) at the southernmost tip of Thailand and the Malay peninsula. This is really an impressive coin struck on a flat massive planchet of the highest quality silver. The extremely large flan and the heavy weight places this at the beginning of coinage in the region, most likely concurrent with the Pegu Mon coinage originating in the Pyu city state of Beikthano. It is possible that the same "type" was minted independently in distant places linked by maritime trade. Burma, Beikthano, Pyu City States (AD 200-350) AR Full Unit (96 Ratti) 33 mm x 9.22 grams Obverse: Sun rising over the ocean dots in between rays solid border around. Reverse: Srivatsa, sun and moon above - uncertain ancillary symbols. Ref: Wicks Class A early transitional type. Note: Minty fresh Prov: Old Private Collection, Tochigi, Japan
that's an awesome BIG silver coin...that rising sun reverse is swwwweeeeeeet. this is an area still unrepresented in my collection.
That is a very beautiful and impressive coin! I love learning about other cultures than Greece and Rome. John
Wow, nice Frisbee! I dunno Dude... ancient gods, ancient aliens. Erik von Daniken is gonna say that is a head of a man in a flying saucer! That is a great looking coin!
Oh, goodie. Another excuse to repost my Nero dupondius with the space shuttle on the reverse. See it there, blasting off and about to whack that lady in the back of the head?
That's my all-time favorite song! @Ancientnoob that's an impressive coin. I like your comment on the grade as well.
=> nuthin' beats a big, fat, silver winner!! (congrats Noob) ... ummm, well maybe a big fat goldie, eh?
