Satavahana coins
Topic: Post-Mauryan India: Shungas to Kushanas · NCERT: Class 7, Ch 6 "The Age of Reorganisation"
Meaning
These are coins issued by the Satavahana kings of the Deccan, from about the 2nd century BCE to the 2nd century CE. Many were made of lead, copper or potin, which is a mix of metals. They have been found over a wide area, from Gujarat to Andhra. Some show a two-masted ship. This proves that sea trade and shipbuilding were important. Some later silver coins carry a king's portrait and a written label, called a legend, in Brahmi script.
Example
Ship coins from the Andhra coast, such as those linked with Yajna Sri Satakarni (late 2nd century CE), show a two-masted ship. They suggest trade across the sea, including with the Roman Empire.
Don't confuse with
- Kushana coins: these were the first gold coins in India. Satavahana coins were mostly of lead and copper.
Related concepts
- Satavahana dynasty
- Simuka
- Pratishthana
- Yajna Sri Satakarni
- Nanaghat inscription
- Satavahana metronymics
- Gautamiputra Satakarni
- Gautami Balashri
- Nashik prashasti
- Vasishthiputra Pulumavi