COINS OF INDIA, PAKISTAN, BANGLADESH, NEPAL & SRI LANKA
FROM ANCIENT TIMES TO THE PRESENT

EARLY COIN FROM INDIA

India developed some of the world's first coins. (scholars debate exactly which coin was first and when).  Sometime around 600BC in the lower Ganges valley in eastern India a coin called a punchmarked Karshapana was created.  It was made by taking a flat, though often irregularly shaped, piece of silver, cutting it to the proper weight, then applying a series of punches to the front of it. The punches include a wide variety of symbols.  The silver coins typically weigh about 3.6 grams and are about 12 to 17mm. As the coin circulated, bankers or merchants would sometimes apply additional small punches on the back, verifying the weight and fineness of the coin.  Vast quantities of the coins were issued by the Magadha Kingdom (circa 600-321BC) and Mauryan Empire (321-187BC) so they are relatively plentiful and inexpensive today. The punchmarked Karshapana was issued until about the second century BC, however the influence this of ancient coin is still felt today.  The English word, "cash", is derived from the Sanskrit word, kārsha. 

---

EARLY ANCIENT SILVER COIN

This is one of the most affordable early ancient silver coins available.  It was struck from about 600BC to 327BC in the area of northern Pakistan and north-eastern Afghanistan.  Some references attribute the coin to the region of Gandhara Janapada, while others attribute it to Taxila, which was the major city in that region. . It is likely the coins were first struck shortly before the region was invaded by Persian emperor Darius the Great in 518BC.  The coins continued to be issued under Persian rule, probably until Alexander the Great conquered the region in 327BC. One side of the slightly concave coin has the six petaled Taxila "flower" design that was used on most coins of the region at that time.  The other side is blank.  The coin is approximately 12 to 14mm in diameter.  The coin is denominated as 1/8 Santamanas. 

---

INDO-GREEK SILVER DRACHM OF APOLLODOTUS II

The Indo-Greeks descended from Alexander the Great, who conquered northern India in 326BC. They were the eastern most part of Hellenistic culture, ruling the area around Afghanistan, Pakistan and north-western India. They maintained Greek culture, religion and language, incorporating it with elements of Indian culture and language. Apollodotus II was one of the greatest Indo-Greek kings.  During his reign, from about 80 to 65BC he re-established much of the glory and territory of the Indo-Greek kingdoms.  After his death the Indo-Greek kingdom fragmented and soon disappeared.  This silver drachm of Apollodotus II reflects both the Greek and Indian culture.  The obverse depicts the bust of the king with a Greek legend that translates as "Of Apollodotus the Great, Savior & Father loving King".  The reverse depicts Athena Alkidemos standing and has the legend in Kharoshthi script that translates "Savior King Appolodotus".  He obviously thought well of himself.  The coin is approximately 17mm in diameter. It is an attractive and historic ancient silver coin from the farthest reaches of Greek culture.

---

INDO-SCYTHIAN DRACHM OF AZES INCLUDES BOTH GREEK AND INDIAN INFLUENCES

The Indo-Scythians migrated from central Asia into what is now Afghanistan and Pakistan.  They conquered the Indo-Greek kingdoms and adopted much of the Greek culture which had been left by Alexander the Great some 300 years earlier, as well as adopting Hindu and Buddhist influences.  King Azes, who ruled from about 58 to 12 BC expanded their realm into northwestern India.  There is debate if there were one or two kings named Azes and the exact dates of the reigns. This attractive, high relief, silver Tetradrachm of Azes depicts the king wearing armor on horseback with legends in Greek on one side.  The other depicts Greek gods and has legends in Kharoshti.  Thus, it shows both Greek and Indian influences. The coin is about 25mm in diameter. After the death of Azes the kingdom crumbled with the conquest of the Kushans and Parthians.

Item IN-AZES INDO-SCYTHIAN SILVER TETRADRACHM, AZES, circa 58-12BC, VF-XF $185.00

---

KUSHAN COIN OF THE "UNKNOWN KING"

The Kushan Empire ruled the area from northern India through Afghanistan into Central Asia in the first and second centuries AD.  It grew wealthy controlling trade centers on the Silk Road and on the Indus River and had diplomatic relations with both Rome and China.  Until recently the actual name of its second emperor was unknown.  He was known only by the title on his coins "Soter Megas", which translates as “Great Savior”.  He thought of himself as being so great, he did need to use his actual name. With the discovery of a large stone tablet listing the names of the Kushan rulers it is now known his name was Vima Takto who ruled from about 80 to 105AD.  His bronze tetradrachm features a Greek style diademed bust of the king on one side, and the king on horseback on the other.  It is an attractive, well-struck ancient coin.

---

ANCIENT KUSHANO-SASANIAN COPPER COIN 

After the split of the Kushan Empire around 230AD, the eastern portion became a vassal state of the Sasanian Empire is known as the Kushano-Sassanians.  It controlled parts of what are now Afghanistan and Pakistan. It remained until about 350AD, when the area was conquered by the White Huns (Hephthalites).  These small, crude copper coins, sometimes called a Drachm or a unit, were minted between about 241 and 350AD. They are some of the last coins of the Kushano-Sasanians. They are modeled after the Sasanian silver Drachm, however are smaller, much cruder and made of copper.  One side features the bust of the king, the other features a Zoroastrian fire altar. 

---

MEDIEVAL SILVER COINS OF THE HABBARID AMIRS OF SINDH 

Sindh (Sind) is located in what is now the south-eastern portion of Pakistan.  The Habbaris were Arab traders and merchants that settled in Sindh in pre-Islamic times.  Despite living in India for hundreds of years and marrying locals, they maintained their Arab identity, language and customs.  By the mid 9th century AD they were able to assert control over Sindh, paying only nominal allegiance to the Abbasid Caliph. The coinage of the Habbarids of Sind (also known as the Amirs of Sindh) consisted of  small (10 to 11mm) silver Dammas (Dhammas) that feature Arabic inscriptions on both sides.  In 1026 Ghaznavid Sultan Mahmud conquered Sindh.  We are pleased to offer a silver Dammas of the Habbarid sultans of Sindh issued b y Ali, who ruled from about 973 to 987AD

---

1000 YEAR OLD COIN OF VAST BUT FORGOTTEN CHOLA EMPIRE

Raja Raja ruled the Chola Empire from about 985 to 1014AD.  He greatly expanded his realm to control southern India, northern Sri Lanka and the Maldives.  His powerful navy extended his influence as far as Malaysia and Indonesia.  This copper Massa (also called a Kasu) features a crude depiction of the king standing on one side and the king seated on the other. Some sources call the crude line drawing the "octopus man" or the "monkey man". It is a moderately priced, thousand year old coin from a once vast, but now forgotten empire.

---

THE FAMOUS BULL & HORSEMAN JITAL

The Bull and Horseman Jital was introduced by the Hindu Kings in Kabul and Ohind (now Afghanistan and Pakistan) in the 9th century.  One side featured a humped bull.  The other side a man on a horse holding a lance.  The coins became the standard for much of Afghanistan and northern India.  It continued to be struck for hundreds of years by neighboring and successive kingdoms. It gradually become cruder and more debased as each generation would copy the design from coins found in circulation.  These Bull and Horseman Jitals date from around the 10th to 11th century.  They are made of debased silver and feature crude line drawings of the bull and horseman.  I do not have the time or patience to do an exact attribution so am letting them go cheap.

---

DELHI SULTAN ALAUDDIN MOHAMMED II

Delhi Sultan ‘Ala al-din (Alauddin) Mohammed II Khaljis was the favorite nephew of Sultan Firoz II.  To repay his uncle’s kindness, he murdered his uncle and his son in order to claim the throne of the Delhi Sultans of India in 1296AD.  He plundered the wealth of his nobles and conquered neighboring territories.  He ruthlessly turned back repeated Mongol invasions, saving India from Mongol domination.   This billon (debased silver) Jital (2 Gani) was issued between 1296 and 1316AD.

---

BRASS TANKA OF OF THE MAD SULTAN OF DELHI

Muhammad bin Tughluq, the Sultan of Delhi ruled much of India from 1325 to 1351AD.  He was a scholar, calligrapher and an innovative monarch. Because he often did not consider the consequences of his innovations, he became known as "The Mad Sultan". Vast amounts of his treasury were spent trying to expand and consolidate his realm.  This encouraged numerous revolts from those that did not want to be subjugated.   He forcibly moved his entire capital and all its inhabitants from Delhi to the Deccan of central India.   Unfortunately, there was insufficient water to support the population.  After great suffering and loss of life he returned the capital to Delhi two years later.  About 1330AD he tried to replace the silver Tanka with this brass Tanka, in an effort to boost his treasury.   The brass Tanka has beautiful calligraphy on both sides, with legends to encourage its citizens to accept the debased currency. His unhappy citizens, required to accept this token coinage, soon started to counterfeit them in vast numbers.  Foreign traders would not accept the brass Tankas.  In 1333 he was forced to return to the silver Tanka, redeeming both real and fake brass Tankas at a great cost to his treasury.  It is reported that a “mountain” of these brass Tankas remained lying outside the sultanate’s treasuries for over a century. The coins grade Fine to Very Fine and have a light green patina.

---

HIGH GRADE SILVER TANKA OF BENGAL SULTAN NASIR AL DIN NUSRAT

Nasir al din Nusrat Shah was the Sultan of Bengal from 1519 until his death in 1531. His reign is considered part of the “golden age” of the Bengal Sultanate.  The Sultanate, located at the top of the Bay of Bengal, was a prosperous region that attracted immigrants and traders from different parts of the world, including China, Malacca, Maldives and Portugal, who had recently established bases in India. Nusrat attempted to continue his father’s expansionist policies, but came in conflict with the Mughals under Baber who were expanding into India from Afghanistan.  The well-made, high-grade silver Tanka features Nusrat’s extensive reginal titles on both sides of the coin. The coin is approximately 21mm in diameter and shows virtually no wear.

---

UNUSUAL AKBAR THE GREAT SILVER COIN FROM BAGLANA 

This silver Mahmudi was struck by the Raga of Baglana at his mint in Muhler, India.  The unusual denomination was struck at the request of traders in the port of Surat.  It is based on the Persian Mahmudi, which was widely used in Surat, rather than contemporary Mughal coins.  The coin was struck in the name of Akbar the Great. Akbar ascended to the Mughal at the age of 14 in 1556AD.   He greatly expanded his empire to include most of northern and central India. He was relatively tolerant of the practices of those he conquered, which brought him wide respect. Though he died in 1605, the coin continued to be struck in his name for a few years.  The thick silver coin weighs about 5.5 grams..

---

COINS OF THE INDIAN PRINCELY STATES

Though the British controlled most of India prior to its independence in 1947, many of the Indian states retained their right to issue coins.  Most coins could only be used within the state they were issued and there was little standardization of the coins or denominations issued from state to state. The result was a bewildering array of coins, many of which have limited mintages. We have assembled a collection of coins from six different Indian native states.  The set  includes a square Paisafrom Bahawalpur from the 1920's;  1/4 Anna of Gwalior that pictures the Maharajah Jivaji Rao was minted fom 1925 to 1930;  2 Pai from Hyderabad minted from 1911 to 1930; 1 Paisa from Jodhpur struck during World War II;  1 Dokdo from Junagadh minted in 1909 dated 1945 in the Vima Samvat calendar;  amd  an eight-sided 1 Anna from Mewar minted in 1943.  All eight coins are copper or bronze.  Coins grade from Very Good to Very Fine.   An identification guide is included with each set.  Because of the difficulty in obtaining coins of the Indian States, we sometimes have to vary the exact coins included in the set.

---

BRITISH EAST INDIA COMPANY COIN OF THE MADRAS PRESIDENCY

This copper 1 Cash coin was struck by the British East India Company from 1730’s to the 1750’s for use in their Madras Presidency.  The Madras Presidency controlled a vast territory encompassing much of south-west India.  The royally chartered but privately owned stock company had its own army and exercised administrative control of the region as well as minting its own coins.  The appointed company official in charge of the region was called a President, hence the name “Presidency”.  These small (8 - 10mm) coins have a simple design, with the East India Company “bale mark” on one side and the date on the other.  Despite the simple design, not much care was taken making the hand-struck coins, and in most examples the last digit of the date is not visible.  Those with a readable date have a catalog value of $115.00.  We have some that are dated 1733, and some without the last digit of the date which we can offer for much less.

---

HISTORIC BRITISH EAST INDIA COMPANY RUPEE STRUCK IN THE NAME OF MUGHAL EMPEROR

This historic silver rupee was one of the last hammered coins issued by the Bengal Presidency of the British East India Company.  Though minted by the British East India Company, the coin was struck in the name of Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II.  The coin is dated both AH1229, which corresponds to 1813AD, and Year 49 of the reign of Shah Alam II, which corresponds to 1806, the year Shah Alam II died. Despite his death, the British East India Company continued to make coins in his name, as his coins were more widely accepted than those of the East India Company.  They continued to mint the coins until 1819, always bearing the same dates. At the time the coin was struck, the British East India Company's Bengal Presidency controlled most of north-east India and the Mughal Emperor was little more than a figurehead.  Though over 200 years old, the coin shows virtually no wear. 

---

HIGH GRADE PIE OF THE EAST INDIA COMPANY BENGAL PRESIDENCY

Until 1835 the British East India Company ruled India through regions known as Presidencies. Each Presidency issued its own coins.  From the Bengal Presidency we have this undated copper 1 Pie coin.  The design consists only of the denomination written in English, Bengali, Persian and Hindi.  The 16.5mm coin was struck at the Calcutta mint from 1831 until 1835.  It is Uncirculated, though has picked up some toning over the last 180 or so years, so we call it AU-UNC.

---

UNCIRCULATED QUARTER ANNA OF EDWARD VII FROM BRITISH INDIA

This attractive Uncirculated bronze 1/4 Anna of India features British monarch Edward VII. It bears both his titles of King (of the United Kingdom) and Emperor (of India). The reverse includes the denominationa and date within a wreath.  The coin is dated between 1906 and 1908 and is 25.3mm in diameter.

---

UNCIRCULATED QUARTER ANNA OF GEORGE V FROM BRITISH INDIA

This attractivet Uncirculated bronze 1/4 Anna of India was struck when India was a British colony.  At the time India had a population almost seven times larger and an area over 17 times larger than that of the United Kingdom.  The 25mm coin depicts George V, who had the title King and Emperor of India. The reverse has denomination and date surrounded by a wreath. The coin is dated 1935, a year before the death of the king. It was struck at the Calcutta Mint. Though attractive, it had minimal buying power.  One would buy you a half pound (226 grams) of onions.  Two would get you a cup of hot tea.

---

SILVER 2 ANNAS OF GEORGE V FROM BRITISH INDIA

This silver 2 Annas coin of Emperor George V of India was struck only 6 years, from 1912 to 1917.  George V is on the obverse.  The reverse has the denomination in spelled out in English and Urdu within a wreath made of roses, thistles, shamrocks, representing England, Scotland and Ireland.  At the top of the wreath is a lotus blossom symbolizing India. At the time India was Great Britain's most important colony. It was also a period of increased resistance to British rule.   In 1918 the small (15.4mm) and easily lost silver coin was replaced with a larger copper-nickel coin.

---

 WORLD WAR II COINS FROM BRITISH INDIA

India was critical to the Allied effort in World War II.  It contributed over 2.5 million troops and was a major producer of armaments and equipment.  Two versions of the World War II era bronze 1/4 Anna were produced.  Both depict King George VI on the obverse and denomination and date on the reverse.  In the first version which was struck in 1938 and 1939 the tips of the fleur-de-lis in the King's crown touched the jeweled band of the crown.  In the second version which was struck from 1940 until 1942, the fleur-de-lis were shorter.  The king's head flatter but with more distinct features in the second version.  By 1942 the bronze 1/4 Anna had minimal buying power and it utilized copper that was needed for the war effort.  Production was discontinued that year. The same year a much smaller, 17.3mm square nickel-brass 1/2 Anna was introduced.  It might buy a cup of tea or a small snack.  The 1/2 Anna has the denomination written in English, Urdu, Bengali, Telugu & Devanagari on the reverse.   Both coins portray Emperor George VI on the obverse.

---

LAST COINS OF PORTUGUESE INDIA

In 1505 Portugal became the first European nation to establish colonies in India. With the coming of the British and Dutch in the 17th century, Portuguese power declined, until all that was left were three minor outposts on the west coast of India.  In 1961, after years of preaching non-aggression, the Indian armed forces invaded these last remaining outposts and forcibly annexed them. We offer some of the last coins of Portuguese India.  The 1959 1 and 3 Escudos were the last of those denominations produced for Portuguese India.  They both have similar designs, with the arms of Portuguese India on one side and the arms of Portugal on the other.  Both are copper-nickel.  The coins show minimal or no circulation but have slightly flattened rims.  After their invasion, India attempted to roller flatten Portuguese Indian coins so they could not be redeemed.  Someone was either not doing their job or was paid to look the other way, as these coins show only the very slightest flattening of the rims.

---

TEA STALL TOKEN FROM INDIA

One side of this unusual oblong 27.5mm x 17mm copper token has the legends "TEA STALL * H.M. * LTD. INDORE",  the other side depicts the number "4" on a teacup.  The token is attributed as a 4 Anna token issued by Hukumchand Mills in Indore, India.  The token was probably used in the company canteen sometime between the 1930’s and 1950’s.  Hukumchand Mills was a large cotton mill that went bankrupt and closed down in 1991, owing wages and benefits to some 6000 workers.  Since then the mill has been torn down. Attempts have been made to sell the land to provide funds to pay the workers, however disputes between various government agencies has prevented the sale of the land.  After more than a quarter of a century the workers have still not been paid and the case drags on in court.

---

INDIA’S FIRST DECIMAL COINS INCLUDES ODD SHAPES 

India introduced their first decimal coins in 1957.  The coins were initially called Naye Paise, or new Paise, to distinguish them from the previous coins. In order to aid the many blind in the country, each coin was distinctly different.  This four coin set includes the round 1 Naye Paisa, scalloped edge 2 Naye Paisa, the square 5 Naye Paise, and the scalloped edge 10 Naye Paisa all dated 1957. The coins have the denomination on one side and the lions from the Sarnath pillar of Ashoka, which serves as the national emblem of India. 

---

HUNDIS FROM INDIA

The Hundi is a financial instrument developed by the native bankers in India.  It can perform a variety of banking tasks.  Depending on how it is written it may act like a Bill of Exchange, extension of credit, transfer of funds, or a travelers check. The Indian government, seeing a lucrative source of revenue, required all Hundis to be written on a special watermarked government form bearing a tax imprint.  We offer a set of two Hundi notes.  One is mostly blank form that references another document, The other is on a pre-printed form for the Swadeshi Cotton Mills Company Limited. The Hundis are approximately 220mm x 130mm (5.25” x 8.75”) and were issued in the 1970’s. It is an unusual financial instrument that is rarely offered for sale.

---

INDIA COMMEMORATES INCOME TAXES!

This circulating commemorative 5 Rupees dated 2010 commemorates the 150 Years of Income Tax in India.  The Income Tax Department was established in 1860.  The coin depicts a bee hovering over a lotus flower and ancient Indian philosopher, economist and royal advisor Chanakya who said "Ideally governments should collect taxes like a honey bee, which sucks just the right amount of honey from the flower so that both can survive".   The obverse of the coin depicts the ancient lion pillar of Ashoka.  The coin is Uncirculated, but is poorly struck as is typical of many modern Indian coins.  It is an unusual topic to commemorate.

---

TIGERS ON INDIA BANK COMMEMORATIVES

A tiger standing in front of a palm tree are featured on each of these four coins commemorating the "Platinum Jubilee" (75th anniversary) of the Reserve Bank of India. The design is the seal of the bank, which was based on the gold Mohur coin of the British East India Company.  The bank was founded in 1935 as a privately held institution that acted as the central bank for India.  It was also the central bank for Burma until 1947.   Following India's independence, it was nationalized in 1949 and is now held by the Indian government.  It is the main monetary authority in India, with responsibility for all currency issues, management of foreign exchange, credit and interest rates.  It is the supervisor and lender of last resort of all Indian commercial banks.  Despite these vast powers, the coins it issued to commemorate itself are poorly struck with weak or missing design elements. It makes one wonder just how effective the Bank really is. The four coin set includes the bi-metallic 10 Rupees, nickel-brass 5 Rupees, stainless steel 2 and 1 Rupees dated 2010. The 3 lions from the ancient Pillar of Ashoka is on the obverse.  Together the coins catalog for $16.00, however our price is much less.

---

60 YEARS OF INDIA'S PARLIAMENT 

India issued two circulating commemorative coins to honor the 60th anniversary of the first sitting of the Parliament of India:  a 27mm bimetallic 10 Rupees, and a 23mm nickel-brass 5 Rupees.  Both 2012 dated coins have similar designs featuring Parliament House on one side and the Lion capitol of the Pillar of Ashoka on the other. Both coins are Uncirculated, though may be a bit weakly struck.

---

INDIAN 5 RUPEES HONOR MINT, POLITICIAN & SWAMI

India recently released three circulating 5 Rupee coins.  The 60th Anniversary of the Kolkata (Calcutta) Mint in honored on a 2012 dated 5 Rupees picturing the mint building.  The original mint was founded by the British in 1757 in a building next to the infamous Black Hole in old Fort William.  The present mint, also known as the Alipore Mint, was started in the 1930’s, but did not open until 1952, due to delays caused by World War II.  Motilal Nehru is portrayed on a 2012 dated 5 Rupees commemorating the 150th Anniversary of his birth.  Nehru was an important leader in the Congress Party and is the patriarch of the Nehru-Gandhi family that has dominated Indian politics for decades.  The 150th Anniversary of the birth of Swami Vivekananda commemorated on this undated 5 Rupee bearing his image.  The coin lists his birth and death years: 1862 - 1902.  He is considered a Patriotic Saint in India and his birthday is celebrated as National Youth Day.  He is credited with bringing awareness of Hindu philosophies and Yoga to the Western world and helped revive Hinduism and Indian Nationalism within India.   All three coins 23mm nickel-bronze coins feature the three lions from the ancient Pillar of Asoka on the obverse

---

INDIA HONORS MAULANA ABUL KALAM AZAD   

Abul Kalam Azad was a Muslim Indian scholar and a leader in the Indian independence movement.  He advocated religious harmony among India’s religions and opposed the division of India and Pakistan.  After India gained independence in 1947, he served as the nations first Education Minister until shortly before his death in 1958.  This undated Indian 5 Rupee coin commemorating the 125th anniversary of his birth was issued in October 2014. He is depicted on the reverse.  The obverse of the 23mm nickel-bronze coin features the three lions from the ancient Pillar of Asoka.

---

INDIA HONORS ALLAHABAD HIGH COURT

India issued this 2016 dated 5 Rupee coin to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Allahabad High Court.  The court was established in Agra in 1866, making it one of the first high courts to be established in India.  In 1868 the court was moved to Allahabad.  The reverse of the coin depicts the center facade of Allahabad High Court Building emerging from a book and the years "1866 2016". The obverse of the 23mm nickel-bronze coin features the three lions from the ancient Pillar of Asoka.

---

BI-METALLIC INDIAN 10 RUPEES

This set of five bi-metallic 10 Rupee cons from India includes the following: The 2009 issue commemorates the 100th anniversary of the birth of Dr. Homi Bhabha, who was the father of India's nuclear program, did much of the work to develop India's first atomic bomb, and helped start India's space program (KM372).  The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board is honored on the 2012 issue (KM450). The shrine is located in Katra, Jammu & Kashmir and is one of the most popular Hindu pilgrimage sites in northern India.  The 2015 issues include 100th anniversary of Mahatma Ghandi returning to India from South Africa (KM448), International Yoga Day (KM450) and the regular issue honoring Connectivity and Information Technology (KM400) with wide rays.  The Lion Pillar of Ashoka, India's national emblem, is on the backs of all the coins.  The 2009 coin was struck at the Noida Mint, the others are from the Mumbai Mint. 

---

BI-METALLIC 2012 INDIA 10 RUPEE

This bi-metallic 2012 dated 10 Rupees coin from India was struck at the Noida mint. The mintmark is a dot below the date.  Nodia is short for the New Okhla Industrial Development Authority.  It is a modern planned city located near New Delhi that came into administrative existence in 1976. The obverse features the national emblem of the three lions from the Pillar of Asoka.  The Pillar of Asoka is a sandstone monument from the third century BC.  The reverse of the coin features 10 rays, representing “connectivity and information technology”.  Beneath the rays is the new Rupee symbol and the number 10.  The coin is Uncirculated, but like most modern Indian coins, may not be well struck.

---

DAY OF YOGA COMMEMORATED ON BI-METAL INDIAN 10 RUPEES  

The United Nations declared that June 21, 2015, the summer solstice, to be the First International Day of Yoga. Yoga is an ancient Yoga is an ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice that originated in India.  To commemorate the event India issued a bi-metallic 10 Rupees coin.  The coin is dated June 21, 2015 and features the International Day of Yoga emblem along with the legends "INTERNATIONAL DAY OF YOGA" and "YOGA FOR HARMONY & PEACE" in English and Hindi.  The standard 10 Rupee design featuring the ancient Pillar of Asoka is on obverse. Because we received requests for multiple pieces from those that wanted to hand them out at their Yoga class, we now offer the coin in groups of 10 at a discounted price.

---

INDIA CELEBRATES NATIONAL ARCHIVES WITH BI-METALLIC COIN 

India recently released this 2016 dated bi-metallic 10 Rupee coin to commemorate the 125th anniversary of its national archives. The archives were founded in 1891 as the Imperial Records Department.   The coin depicts the National Archives building in New Delhi on the reverse.  The obverse of the 27mm coin features the Lion Pillar of Ashoka and the denomination. The coin is Uncirculated, but like most modern Indian coins, is poorly struck.

---

MORE BI-METAL 10 RUPEES FROM INDIA

India recently released four new circulating bi-metallic 10 Rupee coins - dated 2015.  The following coins were released.  All 27mm bimetallic coins with the standard 3 headed lion pillar of Ashoka obverse.  The coins are poorly struck as is typical of modern Indian coinage.
475th Anniversary of the birth Maharana Pratap.  He was the Rajput king of Mewar who refused to submit to the Mughal emperor Akbar the Great.   He spent most of his reign, from 1572 to 1597 fighting against the Mughals.  The coin depicts the armored king holding a bow and a sword.
150th of the birth Anniversary of Lala Lajpat Rai, a lawyer who was active in the Indian independence movement in the early 20th century.   He was also involved in the founding of the Punjab National Bank and the Lakshmi Insurance Company.  He toured the United States from 1917 to 1920 advocating for Indian independence.  The coin features his portrait.
125th Anniversary of the birth of Dr. Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan who was a philosopher and politician who was a Vice President of India from 1952 to 1967. He helped form a modern understanding of Hinduism in both India and the west.
3rd India-Africa Forum Summit which was a major Indian diplomatic outreach to African nations held in New Delhi in October 2015.  The coin depicts the logo of the summit which features the overlapping maps of Africa and India along with the face of an African lion overlapping an Indian tiger. 

---

INDIA CELEBRATES 75 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE 

This 2023 Indian 1 Rupee commemorates the 75th Anniversary of its independence from Great Britain.   The 20mm stainless steel coin depicts the emblem of the celebration, which is called Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.  The obverse features the three lions from the Sarnath pillar of Ashoka, which serves as the national emblem of India.

---

THE RAMATANKA (INDIAN TEMPLE TOKEN)  

Ramatankas are a type of temple tokens that were used in India between the mid-19th and mid-20th Century.  The privately minted tokens were sold or distributed at temples and bazaars. They were often given as gifts and would be treasured by families.  Most are made from brass or silver-plated brass and tend to be crudely engraved. The most common types featured a scene from the ancient Hindu epoch poem called the Ramayana on the obverse.  It depicts Rama and his wife Sita, seated on a platform (Durbar) holding court.  To their right are their sons Kusha and Lava. An attendant holding a parasol is on their left.  Beneath is Hanuman, the monkey god. The other side features Rama and his brother Lakshmana standing.   The coins often bear a false date, making some believe they are quite old.  The date has nothing to do when the token was actually struck, but instead has a numerical significance.  After World War II the use of the Rama Tankas died out.

---

NAGALAND COIN FEATURES WILDLIFE

Nagaland is a small state in north-eastern Indian bordering Myanmar.  Baptist missionaries arrived in the region in the 19th century.   Today 88% of the population is Christian and is the only predominantly Baptist state in the world.  During World War II Japanese troops attempted to invade India through the region.  Japanese, British and Indian troops all suffered heavy losses.  After India's independence in 1947 the territory was incorporated into the state of Assam.  In 1951, a referendum was held, in which 99.9% of voters voted for the creation of an independent Nagaland, but this was not recognized by India. Violence increased across the region. In response in 1963 Nagaland was made a state within India.  This still did not satisfy many who felt persecuted or ignored by India's predominately Hindu government.  Violence and a pro-independence movement continue today in Nagaland.  This unofficial 2025 Nagaland 200 Rupee coin depicts the Nagaland emblem featuring a guar on the obverse. An Amur falcon is on the reverse.  The 39mm, scallop edged, silver-plated Proof coin has a mintage of only 110 pieces.

---

ANDAMAN AND NICOBAR ISLANDS COIN SET  

Native wildlife is featured on this set of seven unofficial 2011 dated coins from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The territory, located in the Indian Ocean, consists of 572 islands, of which just 38 are permanently inhabited. Denmark, Austria and Britain all attempted to colonize the islands. Britain eventually turned it into a penal colony. Japan occupied it in World War II. They are now a Union Territory of India. Over the years the indigenous inhabitants have been almost completely wiped out by disease, land encroachments and punitive military expeditions. Most of the few hundred that remain maintain a steadfast independence, refusing all outside contact. The bi-metallic 20 Rupees pictures a Nautilus. The bi-metallic 10 Rupees depicts a Dugong. An Indian Wild Boar is on the 5 Rupees. A Coconut Crab is shown on the 2 Rupees. The 1 Rupee has a Kuhl’s Flying Gecko. A Stork-billed Kingfisher is on the 50 Paisa and the Anadman clubtail butterfly is on the 25 Paise. The arms of the islands is on the obverse of each coin. Only 10,000 sets were minted.

Item ANDSET ANDAMAN & NICOBAR IS. 7 COIN SET, 2011 UNC. $29.50

INDIVIDUAL COINS FROM THE ABOVE ANDAMAN AND NICOBAR COIN SET:

Item AND20R ANDAMAN & NICOBAR IS. 20 RUPEE NAUTILUS BIMETALLIC, 2011 UNC. $12.00

Item AND10R ANDAMAN & NICOBAR IS. 10 RUPEE DUGONG BIMETALLIC, 2011 UNC. $10.00

Item AND5R ANDAMAN & NICOBAR IS. 5 RUPEE WILD BOAR, 2011 UNC. $5.00

Item AND2R ANDAMAN & NICOBAR IS. 2 RUPEE COCONUT CRAB, 2011 UNC. $4.50

Item AND1R ANDAMAN & NICOBAR IS. 1 RUPEE FLYING GECKO, 2011 UNC. $4.00

Item AND50P ANDAMAN & NICOBAR IS. 50 PAISA KINGFISHER, 2011 UNC. $3.00

Item AND25P ANDAMAN & NICOBAR IS. 25 PAISA BUTTERFLY, 2011 UNC. $3.00

---

BANGLADESH COIN SET

This three coin set includes all of the recent Bangladesh coins issued for circulation:  the 1, 2 and 5 Taka.  All three coins depict Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.  He was one of the founding fathers of Bangladesh and served as Premier until his assassination in 1975.  His daughter, Sheikh Hasina has been Prime Minister since 2008.   The reverse of the 1 and 2 Taka features the national emblem, a stylized lotus blossom floating on water, which is a fitting symbol for a nation that much of which is barely above sea-level and floods regularly.  The reverse of the ten-sided 5 taka features the emblem of the national bank.  All three coins are steel.

---

NEPAL CELEBRATES NEWSPAPER

In 2000 Nepal issued a circulating commemorative 1 Rupee commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Gorkhapatra Newspaper.  The paper was the first to be established in Nepal. The 20mm brass coin features an inscription within a “wreath” made up of 10 newspaper readers. The obverse is the traditional Kingdom of Nepal emblem featuring various Hindu symbols  

---

NEPAL COIN HONORS SCOUTING

Nepal recently released this 2012 dated copper-nickel 50 Rupee coin commemorating the60th Anniversary of Scouting in Nepal.   One side of the coin depicts the Nepal Scout emblem.  The other side features Baden Powell Scout Peak. The peak, formerly known as Urkema Peak, was renamed by the government of Nepal in 2007 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the world Scouting movement.  The peak, part of the Himalayas, stands 19,114 feet (5826m).  

---

OLD UNCIRCULATED SQUARE COIN FROM PAKISTAN

This 1951 copper-nickel 1/2 Anna was part of the first series of coins issued by Pakistan after gaining independence from British India. The obverse includes the date and the Pakistan Tughra flanked by stars and sprigs.  A Tughra is a highly stylized official signature that was developed in the Ottoman Empire in the 14th century and appears on many Ottoman coins. The reverse includes the crescent moon and star, which are traditional symbols of Islam, flanked by stars and sprigs.  The coin was struck at the Lahore mint in Pakistan.

---

RECENT SRI LANKA COMMEMORATIVES

Sri Lanka recently released three commemorative 20 Rupee coins. They are the highest denomination in circulation in that country.  The seven-sided 28mm coins are stuck in nickel-plated steel.  The 70th Anniversary of the Central Bank is commemorated on a 2020 issue depicting the bank's head office. It is a bit ironic that the Central Bank commemorates itself on a new high denomination coin which was needed due to the Bank's inability to control inflation.  A second 2020 20 Rupee coin was issued marking the 150th anniversary of the Colombo Medical Faculty. The coin features the school's emblem and "150".  The 2021 20 Rupee commemorates the 150th anniversary of its Ceylon's first census of population and housing.  The design includes the census logo and "150".   The coins have a common obverse that features a large numeral 20 and inscriptions in Sinhala, Thamil and English. 

---

OLD COIN FROM FAR OFF TIBET  

Tibet is a fabled and isolated country located high in the Himalayas that is now controlled by China. This copper 1 Sho coin was issued from 1918 to 1928.  It features a snow lion on one side and inscriptions on the other.   The Snow Lion is a mythological animal that represents cheerfulness and clarity of thought.

---

FOR RELATED COINS OF THIS AREA PLEASE SEE:

AFGHANISTAN COIN & CURRENCY PAGE

---

Need help to date coins:  Visit the Creounity Time Machine

---

<-- PREVIOUS PAGE   NEXT PAGE -->

TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR THE INTERESTING STUFF CATALOG
ALPHABETICAL LISTING OF COINS AND BANKNOTES IN THE INTERESTING STUFF CATALOG
WEB SITE MAP & SEARCH ENGINE
SECURE ON-LINE CREDIT CARD ORDER PAGE     ORDERING INFORMATION

scale with which to judge image sizes

All items are guaranteed to be genuine, unless clearly indicated otherwise.
NOTE:  All pictures are of a typical item taken from stock.  Because we have multiples of most items, the item you receive may not look exactly the same, however it will be as described.

Please add postage.  California residents include 8.75% sales tax.  3-week return privileges.
Personal checks, Money Orders, (pay to Joel Anderson) VISA, MasterCard, Discover, American Express and Paypal ( pay to Joel@JoelsCoins.com ) accepted.

Joel Anderson
PO Box 365
Grover Beach, CA 93483-0365
USA

Phone: 1 805 489 8045 | Fax: 1 805 299 1818
Email: orders@joelscoins.com

---

CLICK ON THE PAGE YOU WOULD LIKE TO VISIT:

Home Page

Secure  On-Line Ordering

Ordering Information & Shipping Rates

Coin & Currency Catalog by Theme

Coins & Currency by Country

World Coin Sets

Coin Books

About Us

Articles about collecting

Site Map

| Home Page ||On Line Ordering|| Ordering  Information|| Coin & Currency by Theme || Coin & Currency by Country| || Coin Sets| Books | About Us || Articles|| Site Map |