The Intriguing World of Sangam Age Coins
A Glimpse into the Sangam Age
The Sangam Age, which spanned from 300 BCE to 300 CE, was a vibrant period in South Indian history marked by rich culture, literature, and trade. Imagine a time when poets sang songs of valor and love, and kingdoms flourished with commerce. Coins from this era offer a window into the bustling economy and societal norms of ancient India.
What Are Sangam Age Coins?
Sangam Age coins are the currency used during this fascinating period. These coins were more than just money; they were representations of power, trade, and the economy. Crafted from a variety of metals like gold, silver, and copper, these coins came in different shapes and sizes. Some were round, while others took on peculiar forms like squares or triangles. Talk about adding flair to currency!
The Importance of Coinage in Trade
Coins were crucial for trade in the Sangam Age. They made bartering easier. Instead of trading goods directly, people could exchange coins, which represented value. This was especially important in a bustling trade system that connected various regions. Picture a merchant traveling long distances with coins jingling in their pockets, ready to trade them for spices, textiles, or precious stones. The coins made these transactions smoother.
Iconography and Symbolism
Every coin held stories and meanings. The designs were often intricate, featuring symbols like animals, plants, and deities. For example, one could find motifs of elephants, which signified strength and prosperity. These images weren’t random; they had cultural significance, reflecting the beliefs and values of the people. It’s like each coin was a mini artwork whispering tales of its time.
Types of Sangam Age Coins
Sangam Age coins can be classified based on their metal composition and design. Some of the notable types include:
- Gold Coins: Often used by royalty, these coins represented wealth and power. Their dazzling shine made them a status symbol.
- Silver Coins: Widely used for everyday transactions, silver coins were more accessible to common people.
- Copper Coins: These coins were used for smaller purchases and in local markets. Their durability made them ideal for frequent use.
Famous Kingdoms Behind the Coins
The coins from the Sangam Age were tied to powerful kingdoms like the Cholas, Pandyas, and Cheras. Each kingdom had its unique coin designs reflecting their pride and heritage. The blend of multiple influences illustrates how interconnected these regions were, almost like a web of cultures.
Collecting Sangam Age Coins Today
Today, collectors and historians treasure these coins for their historical value. They are considered artifacts that tell stories far beyond their monetary worth. For enthusiasts, hunting for these coins is akin to treasure hunting, where each discovery adds a piece to the puzzle of history.
Conclusion: Why Sangam Age Coins Matter
Sangam Age coins do more than reveal the economic trends of an era; they reflect the artistic creativity and cultural richness of ancient South India. Each coin is a fragment of history, helping us understand the lives of those who came before us. So next time you come across a coin, think about the stories it holds and the journey it has traveled through time.
Old Sangam Age Malayaman Chera Chola Pandiya Coin
The Sangam period began in the 3rd century BC. We did not recognize these coins until the 19th century. Sir Walter Eliot published the book of South Indian Coins in 1886. We can get information about coins of the Sangam age coins through this book. After him R.Krishnamurthy found the writings of Perumavauthi on coins. He was the editor of Dinamalar newspaper. In this way he identified many coins. Arumugam Sitharaman from Thanjavur also found many coins.
Chera, Chola Pandya and Malayaman coins are implementing their symbols in their coins. They are in the shapes of square, rectangle and circle. These coins are in the metals of copper, silver and lead. Its weight is about 0.500grams – 12.5grams.
The coins from the Sangam era belonging to the time of the Malayaman, Chera, Chola, and Pandiya dynasties hold an invaluable place in Indian history. These ancient coins act as a bridge connecting us to the rich heritage and culture of the past. Their historical significance, coupled with their rarity, makes them a prized possession for numismatists and history enthusiasts alike.
The Malayaman, Chera, Chola, and Pandiya coins are not just symbols of a bygone era; they also hold immense value in today's world. The historical and cultural significance attached to these coins make them highly sought after by collectors and historians. In addition to their historical significance, these coins also hold value in terms of their material composition, craftsmanship, and scarcity.
The value of these ancient coins varies depending on factors such as their condition, rarity, and historical significance. The prices for Malayaman, Chera, Chola, and Pandiya coins can range from a few hundred rupees to several lakhs, and in some cases, even more at auctions or through private sales. The value of these coins is not merely monetary but also extends to their cultural and historical importance.
As we continue to unearth and explore the wonders of our past, the Malayaman, Chera, Chola, and Pandiya coins serve as a tangible link to our history, offering us a glimpse into the grandeur of ancient South Indian dynasties. Whether treasured in private collections or displayed in museums, these coins stand as a testament to the enduring legacy of our ancestors.
The study and preservation of these ancient coins are vital for understanding our cultural roots and preserving our heritage for future generations. Their allure and significance will continue to captivate the interest of collectors and historians, ensuring that the legacy of the Sangam era lives on for centuries to come.
In conclusion, the coins from the Malayaman, Chera, Chola, and Pandiya dynasties are not just relics of the past; they are windows into a bygone era and a testament to the enduring legacy of ancient South India. Their historical, cultural, and numismatic value make them an integral part of our heritage, serving as a reminder of the rich and vibrant history from which we have emerged.
Malayaman Coin |
Obverse: Horse standing above symbol
|
Reverse: 3 Hill Road Map
|
Malayaman Coin |
Sangam Pandiya Coin |
Today's Madurai, Ramanathapuram, Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari belonged to the Pandya Empire. Madurai is their capital. Mudathiree Maran, Arivudainambi, Nanmaran, Perum Valuthi, Nedunjezhiyan, Maran are the famous emperors of these kingdoms. Some of their references can be found in historical texts. Copper and lead coins are engraved. Copper is mostly used by people. They are rectangular and square in shape. One side is engraved with an elephant, a striped fish symbol or a double fish symbol. In tanks, we can see the symbol of four turtles, elephant, ox, fish, tree, sulam, trisulam etc. on the right or left sides of the coins. All coins have a fish symbol. Their period was around 3BC – 300 BC. Recently, excavations at Ramanathapuram Alaghan Pond have yielded a large number of Sangam-era Pandyan coins. These coins also have auspicious symbols. All the coins found were in circulation from the third century BC to the first century AD. Pandyar coins are found in places like Madurai, Tirunelveli, Karur, Thanjavur, Kumbakonam, Korkhai. Only one coin inscribed with the king's name 'Peruvavluthi' has been found. The Round shape coins of the Pandyas are not found. |
Obverse: Elephant standing left
|
Reverse: Fish
|
Elephant standing left Price in Pm Contact Whatsapp : 9150640650 |
|
|
Obverse: Tree on the pot and Elephant standing left
|
Reverse: Fish Symbol
|
Elephant above pot on tree Fish symbol Contact Whatsapp : 9150640650 |
Chera Coin |
Chera Empire references Kerala and Kongu regions. Karur is their capital. Their coins date from 3rd BC to 2nd BC. Chera coins were in copper metal. These coins are found in square and long square shape. Some of them were in silver and lead. We can see symbols of elephant, bull, horse, lion etc. and some traditional symbols. Tanks, Moon, Parasu, Katari, Jack tree, Wheel etc. are some other symbols present in their currency. Bow, arrow and ankusam are also near these symbols. Erumporai, Kolerumparai Kuttuvangotai, Magotai etc. are important coins. They are scripted in Tamil script. Cherar period histories and information can be obtained through these coins. However, as some of the inscriptions on this castle are indistinct, it is not possible to say with certainty which Chera king issued it. Kollirumporai coins issued by Irumporai kings have been found in Karur. These coins may have been issued by an Irumporai king. Makothai coin One of the finds from the Amaravati river basin is found with the name and image of "Cheraman Makkotai". This is one of the most remarkable inventions in the history of Tamil Nadu coins. Until this coin was found, no silver coins engraved with names or portraits of Sangam kings were found. On the front of the Kashi, there are ancient Tamil inscriptions and a bust of the king facing right in the center below. The back of the case is devoid of any symbol. Above the king's head is written "Makottai". Since the cross line in the letter "ம" is restored slightly to the right and the letter "த" is bent, the date of this letter can be assumed to be late 1st century AD. Names like Cheraman Kotambalathu Tunjiya Makkotai (par. 52), Cheraman Kokkottai Marban (par. 63), Cheraman Kuttuvan Kotai are mentioned in the Sangha literature. This silver coin may have been issued by one of the above kings. Two types of coins issued by the Irumporai kings have been found so far. They are. Kollipora coins - The obverse has a standing figure of a king inside a thorana gate. In the margin, "Kollipurai" is written in ancient Tamil characters. Behind it, there is a bow and arrow. The shape of the mountain is shown as curves. The image inside a square is faded and blurred. This coin is believed to have been issued by "Koli Porayan". At the back of this coin is a "bow". Kollirumporai coin - This is similar to the coin with the name "Kollipurai" engraved on it. But in the end another coin with the name Kollipurayan was found with the "அன்" fraction. The design of this coin is round and bold and bears some symbols on its body. On the obverse side of the kasin is a full-length figure of a king with majestic appearance and a weapon of war in his right hand in the center of the thorana gate. To the king's left is a tall open tree and to the right three fish are seen swimming one after the other towards the carved tree below the king's feet. |
Reverse: Sitting Tiger
|
Obverse: Angusam Bow and Arrow
|
Sitting Tiger Rare Coin Contact Whatsapp : 9150640650 |
Obverse: Standing elephant front bull above symbol
|
Reverse: Bow and arrow
|
Standing elephant front sulam above symbol Bow and Arrow Rare Coin Contact Whatsapp : 9150640650 |
Sangam Chola Coin |
Coins of the Sangam Chola period have images of elephant, tiger, trees, umbrella, vel, symbols etc. Chola Kings of the Sangam Period We can find here the famous kings of the Cholas who had their capital at Kaveri Poompattinam (Poombukar). They are Karikalvalavan, Nalangilli, Nedungilli, perunarkilli. These coins are available in square, long square and circular shapes. The Chola kings of Sangam period issued coins in metals like copper and lead. All the coins found were coins that were in circulation from the third century BC to the third century AD. They are available in places like Trichy, Karur, Thanjavur, Kumbakonam, Thirukovilur, Madurai, Ariyalur, Tarangambadi etc. Chola coins inscribed with letters are not found till now. As inscriptions are found on Cherar and Pandyar coins. It is considered that there is a high possibility of the writing being available in the coming times. Chola coins have symbols like elephant on the front, chariot with harnessed horses, elephant and horse, bare tree, animal and tree, umbrella, weapon and the tiger symbol on the reverse. The tiger is seen in a posture with its right leg raised, mouth agape, head erect and tip bent. A few coins also feature the Katiravan symbol with a tiger. |
Obverse: Standing elephant above symbol
|
Reverse: Tiger
|
Standing elephant above symbol Tiger Rare Coin Price in Pm Contact Whatsapp : 9150640650 |
Quick Enquiry
*** For Buying and selling quires you can contact us to this Mopile: 9150640650 Mail Id: gkarthikeyan2k@yahoo.com ********* Contact Us