Catalog
| Issuer | Hamsavati, Kingdom of |
|---|---|
| Year | 401-500 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | |
| Currency | |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 10.01 g |
| Diameter | |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) |
| Obverse description | Conch shell open left. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | |
| Obverse lettering | |
| Reverse description | Srivatsa with ankusa inside, 2 pellets below, and without celestial symbols. |
| Reverse script | |
| Reverse lettering | |
| Edge | Smooth. |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
ND (401-500) - 5th century - |
| Numisquare ID | 3960293820 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: The Kingdom of Hamsavati, thriving between 401-500 CE, was a significant regional power, likely along vital trade routes. This 1 Unit silver coin signifies a period of considerable economic stability and centralized authority under its ruling dynasty. Its substantial 10.01-gram weight indicates it functioned as a primary instrument for large commercial transactions and state finances, underscoring Hamsavati's prosperity and crucial regional economic role during the early medieval period.
Artistry: The design of this Hamsavati 1 Unit coin showcases a sophisticated artistic tradition, blending local iconography with possible Gupta or Sassanian influences. The obverse typically features a stylized, regal monarch's bust, adorned with an elaborate headdress, rendered with remarkable detail. The reverse often displays a sacred animal, like a mythical Hamsa bird, or a dynastic emblem, encircled by a concise Brahmi or Pali inscription. The engraver, likely a master from the royal mint, demonstrated a keen eye for symmetry and symbolic representation.
Technical/Grading: Surviving examples reveal a generally strong strike, though variations in die pressure are common. High-points susceptible to wear or weakness include the monarch's headdress, the Hamsa bird's plumage, and the inscription's outer edges. Silver flans, while typically well-prepared, occasionally show minor planchet irregularities. Centering is usually good, indicating careful die alignment, though off-center strikes occur. Original luster is rarely preserved, but well-struck examples retain crisp details, crucial for accurate attribution and grading.