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Potin Unit of Satavahana Emperor Shri Yajna Satakarni

2026-06-04 Thu

Yajna Satakarni (Gautamiputra Yajna Sri Satakarni) was an emperor of the Satavahana dynasty. His reign is known to be in the period 167–196 or 172–201 CE.

Potin is a base-metal alloy (of lead, tin, or other metals, also called arsenic copper). Potin and lead was commonly used by the Satavahanas for their coins. Most of potin coins look red copperish or red-brown with a shin.

The above coin has Obverse depicting Elephant with raised trunk, standing right, with Brahmi legend "(Siri) Yajna Satakanisa" on the back of elephant (meaning "Of Lord Yajna Satakarni").

The reverse has Common Satavahana symbol- the Ujjaini symbol = four circles/orbs with a central dot). Some coins also depict tree-in-railing, swastika, or arched hills etc.

Shri Yajna Satakarni also issued lead coins with two mast ship on obverse indicating maritime overseas trades with other nations.