Catalog
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| Issuer | Pallava Dynasty (Southern India) |
|---|---|
| Year | 400-500 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
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| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
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| Reverse description | Central field occupied by a Shrivatsa symbol — a stylised conch or spiral motif of auspicious significance — depicted within a circular surround. The central device is enclosed by an elaborate geometric and curvilinear border composed of looping ornamental elements and pellets, consistent with the decorative vocabulary of early Pallava dynastic coinage. Several pellets are scattered in the surrounding field. The overall composition is rendered in bold low relief against a plain flan. |
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| Mintage | ND (400-500) |
| Additional information |
Potin coinage of the Pallava dynasty occupies an awkward place in South Indian numismatic history — these issues predate the dynasty's imperial peak under Mahendravarman I and Simhavishnu, circulating in a period when the Pallavas were still consolidating control over the Tamil regions against Kalabhra pressure. The alloy itself, a lead-tin-copper mix, was a pragmatic regional choice rather than a prestige statement, and surviving examples vary considerably in metal quality depending on the specific casting batch.