An Old Coin
I got this coin from souviner shop in Kathmandu for free. I think, if I am not mistaken this is a coin from Malla Dynasty in Nepal. There are a lot of these coins around in Nepal so this is not something rare. Of course there other coins from Malla Era that is pricey this is just not one fo them.
The Malla Dynasty is a Newari Dynasty before the Shas (current royal dynasty in Nepal)
The Malla Dynasty is a Newari Dynasty before the Shas (current royal dynasty in Nepal)
Wow, that's really cool. The Malla Dynasty was what, 12th century to 17th century? Any idea about how old the coin is in that range?
ReplyDeleteThe Mallas have ruled Kathmandu Valley, I think, for more or less 7 centuries, from strong unified dynasty to too many divided kingdoms later, weak enough for the Shas to take over. The first Malla king, apparently, was crowned in 965 A.D. If this coin is indeed from Malla, it must have been in the later period and was used, perhaps, during the Shah era until the coin's discontinuation.
ReplyDeleteSome comments says the Malla time was between 10th - 18th century. I assume this is when they exist from a small empire, to a strong one, until weakens because of division, until the take over of the Gorkha (Shah)time. During the 11th century until the 12th is when they were strong unified empire, I think. I cannot be sure, it has been a while time since I read a book about this and I'm not good with remembering specific numbers.
ReplyDeleteHi Chrys...I have been collecting Nepal coins for many years. This coin is not a Malla period coin. It is definately a Shah Dynasty coin. It is a little copper "Dam" of King Surendra Vikrama. The coin is clearly dated at the bottom. It has the Nepali numerals "92". These "Dam" coins only had the last 2 numbers of the date struck on the coin. This coin is dated Nepali year SE 1792, which corresponds to 1870 of the Western Calendar. They are usually so worn you cannot make out the date. This date is easily readable...Neat little coin.
ReplyDeleteThanks, I cannot read Nepali so I had no idea. BUT I agree this is neat little coin. Although may not be the smallest I have.
ReplyDeleteSince last 65 years I have preserved one 'Dam'coin from Mally period.It is exactly as shawn above. It was my birthday gift given by one old Basnyet relative of ours and he got it from his grand father some 50 years ago in Kathmandu.I don't know what to do with it,but I love this little unusual Nepali coin and very proud to have it.
DeleteI have two coins which we believe are from Nepal and are trying to identify them. I will try to post a picture, but am wondering if you know how we can do this.. thanks:)
ReplyDeleteThe copper coin does not belong to the Malla period of Nepal, but to the subsequent Saha period. It is a copper Dam, the smallest unit of the time, issued during the rule of Surendra Vikram Shah ( was king of Nepal AD 1847 to AD 1881). It is dated to the Saka Era (17)92 which is equivalent to AD 1880. The inscription reads "sa/rka ra/92. The obverse side of the coin has the legend "Shri Nepala". The meaning of the legend is "Nepal Government SE 92" The king´s name is not mentioned on the coin.
ReplyDeleteNeat one , my coin is almost completely faded, i can only make out the date(92).
ReplyDelete