2022-12-12 Mon

In 1336 the Vijayanagara kingdom was established by Harihara I and Bukka Raya I of the Sangama dynasty. It consisted of the modern state of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Goa, Karnataka, some parts of Telangana and Maharashtra.

Harihara II, The Vijayanagara king, ruled from 1377, succeeding Bukka I after his death. He issued coins in three metals, gold, silver and copper. The gold coins issued were around 1.7 grams, and the other weighed 3.4 grams. The coins depict Hindu deities like Shiva and Parvati, Vishnu with Lakshmi, Brahma with Saraswati and Hanuman.

The silver coins he issued weighed approximately 0.15 grams to 1.8 grams, and they had a size of 8mm. He also issued copper coins varied in weight from 2.5 grams to 3.1 grams.

The Gold half Pagoda issued by Harihara II weighs around 1.73 grams. This coin depicts Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati in a seated position, Lord Shiva holding a damru and an antelope head.

Image Courtesy: Todywalla Auction