Featured The First Indigenous Gold Coin of Taprobane.

THCoins · Aug 31, 2015

Nice writeup and great research AncientNoob !

Log in or Sign up to hide this ad.

Alegandron · Sep 3, 2015

@Ancientnoob Nate, fantastic write up!

@kushan ranaweera, I like my new 1/8 Lakshmi! Thanks! Nice job!

Loong Siew · Sep 21, 2015

Hey buddy.. Took your advice and joined.. Looking forward to sharing and discussing here

stevex6 · Sep 21, 2015

Welcome aboard the crazy-ship, Loong Siew!!

Bing · Sep 21, 2015

Loong Siew said: ↑

Hey buddy.. Took your advice and joined.. Looking forward to sharing and discussing here
Click to expand...

Glad to have you here. We look forward to your posts.

Orfew · Sep 21, 2015

Great coin AN and another amazing writeup. Thanks so much for the time you put into this.

swamp yankee · Sep 21, 2015

Ancientnoob said: ↑

I was fortunate enough to locate and acquire a coin of great rarity and historical interest. The first indigenous gold coin of Taprobane (Ceylon, now Sri Lanka)! This coin was most likely initially minted in Mahanagkula, a city situated on the extreme south of the Island. This was a turbulent time for Taprobane. The great majority of the island was under the rule of the mighty Chola from India, an empire made of up the Chola, Chera, and Pandya states of south India.

The Chola invasion (AD 997-1017) lead by Raja Raja Chola the Great toppled the ancient Kingdom of Anuradhapura which stood since BC 377. For decades following the invasion, anarchy would be the norm. Several native kings would resist their Cholan overlords while battling each other for control of the south of the Island.

This particular specimen names the ruler as Shri Vajayabahu (VB). In his youth he went by the name Kitti. It is recorded that he came from a noble lineage and possessed exceptional skill and intelligence from a very early age.

At the age of 13 he proved himself an accomplished and skilled archer. At 15 he became Adipada or governor of the city of Ruhana. Within a few months of him taking office he was able to rid Ruhana of other local warlords. At age 17 he took the name Vijaya Bahu (AD 1055).For 17 years he would campaign against the Chola attempting to reclaim the island and expel the Indians. His first course of business was to regain the ancient city of Polonnaruwa.

The first offensive (AD 1066) was met with mixed success. the city was taken quickly and held by Vijayabahu only until Chola were able draw reinforcements from south India. Vijayabahu sensing defeat ordered a tactical withdrawal and the city fell into Indian hands once more. With Vijayabahu in retreat, the other native strongmen attempted a revolt. Not understanding the severity of their mistakes, each of their plans were foiled and they promptly met their ends.

Again VB turns his eye to the prize, Polonnaruwa. In Mahanagkula in the south of the island he gathered a great force and obtained foreign alliances and gained the support of the Pagan in Burma and the Pandya who sought expel the Chola from their realm in India. In AD 1069 civil war erupted in the Cholan Empire, now the fight was on.

With Indian forces isolated on the island. VB launched a massive 3 pronged attack from Mahanagkula on Polonnaruwa. One army attacking from the west the other from the east leading the center south to North was Vijayabahu. The fortafied city would eventually fall after a 7 month siege. With the Hindu Chola defeated victory could not be enjoyed much work had to be done. The primary concern for VB was the repair of the infrastructure that had been decimate by nearly 2 decades of continuous warfare. Several new tanks (reservoirs) were constructed and older ancient ones were repaired or enlarged. Irrigation was now returning water to the patty fields, and now it was time for some literary and architectural achievements.

The Chola had so decimated the Buddhist culture on the island that there was not enough monks left to ordain new monks, in the traditional fashion. He again sought help from his allies and contracted Buddhist monks from Burma to ordain and agree on an official canon and theological understanding. The temple of the Tooth was constructed and a great highway with rest stops (ambalama) was built to aid Buddhist pilgrims in the journey up to Sri Pada (Mt. Adams).

Still final victory could not be enjoyed, their would be more rebellion. In the AD 1080's renewed tensions with the Chola caused Indian warriors working for VB to take control of Polonnaruwa. Again poor judgement on the part of the rebels, the insurgency was a failure. The leaders were captured and dealt with. Vijayabahu would take 2 wives in his life time and die peacefully in his bed in the 55th year of his reign as King of Sri Lanka and patriarch of the Polonnaruwa dynasty (AD 1110). He new when he died that that his name would live on forever in the various rock inscriptions, temples and plates that exist from his time.

He must have also known of the numismatic significance of being the only indigenous king to have minted a gold coin and then put his name on it. Prior to the introduction of Chola coinage to the Island coins of the late Roman design were still in use. Another numismatic curiosity- Late Roman Bronze coins, referred to as the third brass. Originally thought to have been brought to the island in large amounts by Indian traders in AD late 5th century AD continued into the 7th century, until being replaced by local imitations who arguably circulated until the invasion of the Chola. These coins unlike other "trade coins" are not found at port locations but often in and around gem mines.

This particular gold coin is interesting in that it represents the a complete 180 degree turn in the coin production. Once again you coins of complex design being stuck, but this time in the style of the Cholan Empire,this design would never again be stuck in gold but would continue as one of the most robust designs in all of human history. Coins of the "octopus" type would continue into use as late as mid 15th century under a variety of dynasties but only in copper. The gold coins of VB are quite rare and as mentioned before is the first instance of Taprobane king issuing a gold coin. This makes it extremely difficult to find and high forged. For this coin, again I had to look overseas.

I contacted Kushan @ Ranaweera and Sons in Sri Lanka and Kushan was provide a genuine example. This example comes from a private collection of an individual in Atalugama, acquired by Ranaweera Senior some years ago.In hand there is no doubt to the coins authenticity. I was reading an article online that spoke of fakes of this coin being turned out wholesale dated the early 20th century. So if you want one of these coins I think this is as reputable as you can get. This dealer has some exceptional items, I was shown a recent acquisition, one of like 5 known examples of a GIANT Lakshmi plaque coin c. BC 100 BC, possibly the largest known-50 mm x 15 grams a massive Lead triple unit.

This is my recent acquisition from Sri Lanka...

View attachment 436395
Taprobane
Uncertain Traveling mint, Southern Sri Lanka
VijayaBahu I
AV Kahavanu (AD r. 1055 - 1110)
21.5 mm x 4.36 grams
Obverse:Standing figure with head to right. Crown thick straight line with triangle in rear. In a Dhoti (garment) indicated by two curved lines on either side and one line in between longer than legs, standing on a lotus plant stalk with small circle in center ending on left in a chank and on right in flower as in hand. In left hand is an open Jasmine flower (pichcha mala) viewed from side. The right arm is extended To right four annulets and ball above. A beaded circle along the periphery of the coin.
Rev:A figure, head right crown as on obverse Squatting upon asana, (a bed-like throne) represented by a short oblong frame, divided lengthwise by a line and two cross lines. dhoti represented by bent line and small line in angle between the legs. The right arm is pendent over the right knee, which is drawn up; In left hand a chank. In field to right - Legend Shri Vi Ji Ya Ba Hu
Ref# Vijayabahu Type III, no. 85.
Note: EF , Rare, Rare.

Sources:
Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vijayabahu_I_of_Polonnaruwa

Wordpress
https://sirimunasiha.wordpress.com/...iya-kasi/coins-of-king-vijayabahu-i1055-1110/

Personal correspondence with Dealer. ( He always answers my questions!)
Click to expand...

Ancientnoob said: ↑

I was fortunate enough to locate and acquire a coin of great rarity and historical interest. The first indigenous gold coin of Taprobane (Ceylon, now Sri Lanka)! This coin was most likely initially minted in Mahanagkula, a city situated on the extreme south of the Island. This was a turbulent time for Taprobane. The great majority of the island was under the rule of the mighty Chola from India, an empire made of up the Chola, Chera, and Pandya states of south India.

The Chola invasion (AD 997-1017) lead by Raja Raja Chola the Great toppled the ancient Kingdom of Anuradhapura which stood since BC 377. For decades following the invasion, anarchy would be the norm. Several native kings would resist their Cholan overlords while battling each other for control of the south of the Island.

This particular specimen names the ruler as Shri Vajayabahu (VB). In his youth he went by the name Kitti. It is recorded that he came from a noble lineage and possessed exceptional skill and intelligence from a very early age.

At the age of 13 he proved himself an accomplished and skilled archer. At 15 he became Adipada or governor of the city of Ruhana. Within a few months of him taking office he was able to rid Ruhana of other local warlords. At age 17 he took the name Vijaya Bahu (AD 1055).For 17 years he would campaign against the Chola attempting to reclaim the island and expel the Indians. His first course of business was to regain the ancient city of Polonnaruwa.

The first offensive (AD 1066) was met with mixed success. the city was taken quickly and held by Vijayabahu only until Chola were able draw reinforcements from south India. Vijayabahu sensing defeat ordered a tactical withdrawal and the city fell into Indian hands once more. With Vijayabahu in retreat, the other native strongmen attempted a revolt. Not understanding the severity of their mistakes, each of their plans were foiled and they promptly met their ends.

Again VB turns his eye to the prize, Polonnaruwa. In Mahanagkula in the south of the island he gathered a great force and obtained foreign alliances and gained the support of the Pagan in Burma and the Pandya who sought expel the Chola from their realm in India. In AD 1069 civil war erupted in the Cholan Empire, now the fight was on.

With Indian forces isolated on the island. VB launched a massive 3 pronged attack from Mahanagkula on Polonnaruwa. One army attacking from the west the other from the east leading the center south to North was Vijayabahu. The fortafied city would eventually fall after a 7 month siege. With the Hindu Chola defeated victory could not be enjoyed much work had to be done. The primary concern for VB was the repair of the infrastructure that had been decimate by nearly 2 decades of continuous warfare. Several new tanks (reservoirs) were constructed and older ancient ones were repaired or enlarged. Irrigation was now returning water to the patty fields, and now it was time for some literary and architectural achievements.

The Chola had so decimated the Buddhist culture on the island that there was not enough monks left to ordain new monks, in the traditional fashion. He again sought help from his allies and contracted Buddhist monks from Burma to ordain and agree on an official canon and theological understanding. The temple of the Tooth was constructed and a great highway with rest stops (ambalama) was built to aid Buddhist pilgrims in the journey up to Sri Pada (Mt. Adams).

Still final victory could not be enjoyed, their would be more rebellion. In the AD 1080's renewed tensions with the Chola caused Indian warriors working for VB to take control of Polonnaruwa. Again poor judgement on the part of the rebels, the insurgency was a failure. The leaders were captured and dealt with. Vijayabahu would take 2 wives in his life time and die peacefully in his bed in the 55th year of his reign as King of Sri Lanka and patriarch of the Polonnaruwa dynasty (AD 1110). He new when he died that that his name would live on forever in the various rock inscriptions, temples and plates that exist from his time.

He must have also known of the numismatic significance of being the only indigenous king to have minted a gold coin and then put his name on it. Prior to the introduction of Chola coinage to the Island coins of the late Roman design were still in use. Another numismatic curiosity- Late Roman Bronze coins, referred to as the third brass. Originally thought to have been brought to the island in large amounts by Indian traders in AD late 5th century AD continued into the 7th century, until being replaced by local imitations who arguably circulated until the invasion of the Chola. These coins unlike other "trade coins" are not found at port locations but often in and around gem mines.

This particular gold coin is interesting in that it represents the a complete 180 degree turn in the coin production. Once again you coins of complex design being stuck, but this time in the style of the Cholan Empire,this design would never again be stuck in gold but would continue as one of the most robust designs in all of human history. Coins of the "octopus" type would continue into use as late as mid 15th century under a variety of dynasties but only in copper. The gold coins of VB are quite rare and as mentioned before is the first instance of Taprobane king issuing a gold coin. This makes it extremely difficult to find and high forged. For this coin, again I had to look overseas.

I contacted Kushan @ Ranaweera and Sons in Sri Lanka and Kushan was provide a genuine example. This example comes from a private collection of an individual in Atalugama, acquired by Ranaweera Senior some years ago.In hand there is no doubt to the coins authenticity. I was reading an article online that spoke of fakes of this coin being turned out wholesale dated the early 20th century. So if you want one of these coins I think this is as reputable as you can get. This dealer has some exceptional items, I was shown a recent acquisition, one of like 5 known examples of a GIANT Lakshmi plaque coin c. BC 100 BC, possibly the largest known-50 mm x 15 grams a massive Lead triple unit.

This is my recent acquisition from Sri Lanka...

View attachment 436395
Taprobane
Uncertain Traveling mint, Southern Sri Lanka
VijayaBahu I
AV Kahavanu (AD r. 1055 - 1110)
21.5 mm x 4.36 grams
Obverse:Standing figure with head to right. Crown thick straight line with triangle in rear. In a Dhoti (garment) indicated by two curved lines on either side and one line in between longer than legs, standing on a lotus plant stalk with small circle in center ending on left in a chank and on right in flower as in hand. In left hand is an open Jasmine flower (pichcha mala) viewed from side. The right arm is extended To right four annulets and ball above. A beaded circle along the periphery of the coin.
Rev:A figure, head right crown as on obverse Squatting upon asana, (a bed-like throne) represented by a short oblong frame, divided lengthwise by a line and two cross lines. dhoti represented by bent line and small line in angle between the legs. The right arm is pendent over the right knee, which is drawn up; In left hand a chank. In field to right - Legend Shri Vi Ji Ya Ba Hu
Ref# Vijayabahu Type III, no. 85.
Note: EF , Rare, Rare.

Sources:
Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vijayabahu_I_of_Polonnaruwa

Wordpress
https://sirimunasiha.wordpress.com/...iya-kasi/coins-of-king-vijayabahu-i1055-1110/

Personal correspondence with Dealer. ( He always answers my questions!)
Click to expand...

Congrats on a great find/writeup too,thanks!

Ancientnoob · Sep 21, 2015

Loong Siew said: ↑

Hey buddy.. Took your advice and joined.. Looking forward to sharing and discussing here
Click to expand...

Nice job @Loong Siew !! Welcome. Glad you were able to join us.

Loong Siew · Sep 21, 2015

Thanks @Ancientnoob. Glad I took your advice

Steve Knight · Sep 23, 2015

Well done report. Back in the early 1950s a visiting Catholic priest from Ceylon at that time - stayed in our home for a few months. I learned a lot of what you mentioned - in a simplistic way - I was less than 10 years old.

I collect ancients too. My early English coin from B.C. emulates a certain similarity to yours. Ambiani NGC AU 4-4 Celtic Caesar Julius time period - 58 B.C. ish...

Thanks for taking the time. Again very well done.

Ancientnoob · Sep 23, 2015

Steve Knight said: ↑

Well done report. Back in the early 1950s a visiting Catholic priest from Ceylon at that time - stayed in our home for a few months. I learned a lot of what you mentioned - in a simplistic way - I was less than 10 years old.

I collect ancients too. My early English coin from B.C. emulates a certain similarity to yours. Ambiani NGC AU 4-4 Celtic Caesar Julius time period - 58 B.C. ish...

Thanks for taking the time. Again very well done.
Click to expand...

@Steve Knight I am glad I was able to bring back some fond memories, that all part of the game.

rzage · Sep 25, 2015

Very interesting write up . Thanks !

KurtS · Oct 10, 2015

Interesting history--I was not aware of this turbulent transition in Sri Lanka's past. But no doubt, these warlords were fighting for control of the south of the island due to the rich gem deposits--famous for sapphire and ruby--known in the west since Greco-Roman times.

stevex6 · Oct 11, 2015

Hey DVC => you've created a monster, eh my friend!!

I hope things are good?

Cheers (it's Canadian Thanksgiving !!)

KurtS · Oct 11, 2015

stevex6 said: ↑

Hey DVC => you've created a monster, eh my friend!! I hope things are good?
Cheers (it's Canadian Thanksgiving !!)
Click to expand...

Hi Steve--yes, I'm well. Great to see all the ancient coins--I'll have more coins to post soon. Happy Thanksgiving!

Log in or Sign up

Featured The First Indigenous Gold Coin of Taprobane.

THCoins Well-Known Member

Guest User Guest

Alegandron "ΤΩΙ ΚΡΑΤΙΣΤΩΙ..." ΜΕΓΑΣ ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΣ, June 323 BCE

Loong Siew Well-Known Member

stevex6 Random Mayhem

Bing Illegitimi non carborundum Supporter

Orfew Draco dormiens nunquam titillandus

swamp yankee Well-Known Member

Ancientnoob Money Changer

Loong Siew Well-Known Member

Steve Knight New Member

Ancientnoob Money Changer

rzage What Goes Around Comes Around .

KurtS Die variety collector

stevex6 Random Mayhem

KurtS Die variety collector

Share This Page

Log in or Sign up

Featured The First Indigenous Gold Coin of Taprobane.

THCoins Well-Known Member

Guest User Guest

Alegandron "ΤΩΙ ΚΡΑΤΙΣΤΩΙ..." ΜΕΓΑΣ ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΣ, June 323 BCE

Loong Siew Well-Known Member

stevex6 Random Mayhem

Bing Illegitimi non carborundum Supporter

Orfew Draco dormiens nunquam titillandus

swamp yankee Well-Known Member

Ancientnoob Money Changer

Loong Siew Well-Known Member

Steve Knight New Member

Ancientnoob Money Changer

rzage What Goes Around Comes Around .

KurtS Die variety collector

stevex6 Random Mayhem

KurtS Die variety collector

Share This Page

Useful Searches