In my quest to obtain an example of each of the ancient and medieval kingdoms, I came across a new (to me) coin type. This coin was first made apparent to me in discussion on another board. It was struck in the late 6th to early 7th centuries AD in the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal. I do not have a reference for these coins and internet search results are slim to nil on specifics, only turning around general information about the Lacchavi Kingdom (~AD 400 -750) and little on the coin series. The coin comes from what is considered the Golden Age of the Licchavi. The origin of the Licchavi is shrouded in mystery, but there is another mention of a Licchavi clan in the same relatively small region that dates back to the Indian Vedic Period. (BC 1750 -500). The is little evidence that the clan and the kingdom are related to each other. One theory is that the Licchavi originated in India and migrated to the Kathmandu Valley, where trade between China, India and Tibet made this place prosperous. The Licchavi used Sanskrit for coins and official inscriptions eluding to a tight cultural tie with the Empire of the Guptas of India. In the Kingdom of the Licchavi Buddhist and Hindu faiths coexisted peacefully for hundreds of years. The Licchavi period was responsible for a great number of religious Stelle and Temples throughout the Himalayan region. For further reading on the Kingdom of the Licchavi see wikipedia... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Licchavi_(kingdom) In general these Licchavi coins are quite scarce. They tend to be hard to find and even harder to find in VF+ condition. I found this coin and two others on the 'bay from a reputible numismatist in Kathmandu, Nepal of all places. Of the three pieces this one was the most well centered and complete, with a nice even and stable patina. The coin is highly magnetic, and quite substantial in hand. These coin are struck in Iron or a very high Iron Alloy. (Hum...I might try to test the SG this one.) The coin was attriuted by the seller as Rhodes #5. or GVR #5 for the text ... The coinage of Nepal: from the earliest times until 1911 Unknown Binding – 1989 by N G. Rhodes (Author), K. Gabrisch (Author), C Valdettaro Pontecorvo Della Rocchetta (Author) I do not own this text and I am still working on understanding the Inscription. I find the coin exceptionally cool because it is the first inscribed Nepalese coin and the denomination is named after the third and most popular ruler of the dynasty. The coin is attributed as... Kathmandu, Nepal Licchavi Kingdom (AD ~400 - 750) King Sivadeva I (AD 576 - 605) Fe Mananka 25 mm x 12.10 grams Obverse: Lion left with Paw raised. Sanskrit Legend. Reverse: Seated Deity with fingers raised. Sanskrit Legend. Sri Mananka Reference: Rhodes #5 RGV 1.2 Zeno #129468 Prov. Ex. Dinesh Maskey (Kathmandu, Nepal) Note: First Coinage of the Licchavi. Scarce, but common sub-type.
oh wow, what a cool coin! another coin you've post that i had no clue existed. kind of has an indo-scythian feel with that lion. great write up also, thanks for posting!
Great you found a nice specimen to tick of this dynasty from you want list ! A few additions: The Brahmi text on the lion side reads "Sri Manaka". The deity is goddes Lakshmi, the legend on this side reads "Sri Bhogini".
Cool Lion-addition, my Noobish-friend (yah, I'm definitely jealous of that puppy) Oh, and thanks for the map & statue effort (always an added bonus) Cheers
