Exploring 4 Categories of Indian Coins Based on Four Different Eras

Indian numismatics is so vast and fascinating that coin collectors from all over the world are keen on learning more about it. Many of these rare Indian coins have been sold at auction houses worldwide for impressive amounts. The fabric of our country is made of different religions, traditions and cultures, which can be clearly understood by studying the various varieties of coins in India. Coins of India can be categorized based on their age and time period into four sections: Ancient, medieval, colonial and modern. Let’s explore the four main categories of Indian coins to get a broader perspective.
Ancient Coins of India
Ancient coins of India can be further classified into six categories namely, Indian coins issued by janapadas, the ones issued by Indian empires and kingdoms, coins issued by Ancient and early medieval kingdoms, ancient coins of south India, coins of ancient invaders and coins of ancient city states of India. Ancient janapadas issued punch-marked coins featuring interesting inscriptions and designs from 600 BC onwards. The earliest ones were struck by Gandhara Janapada. Beautiful coins issued by Gupta Empire are loved by coin collectors across the globe. The pandyas, cholas and pallavas were prominent powers in south India which had their own coinage. The foreign invaders like Indo-Greeks, Indo-Scythians and Kushans also struck some marvellous coins during their times. Ancient city states like Taxila, Ujjain, Ayodhya, Mathura also issued coins separately.
Medieval Coins of India
Medieval coins of India can be classified into five main groups namely, Indian coins issued by the Sultans, ones issued during the Mughal rule, coins of India form Independent kingdoms, coins issued by Indian princely states and coins struck under Hindu Kingdoms. Coins issued by Sultanates like Tughlaq, Sayyids, Khilji etc featured Persian inscriptions on them. Mughal emperors like Akbar and Jahangir had issued some very beautiful coins of India, in gold, silver and copper. Coins of Independent kingdoms like Marathas, especially the ones struck under Shivaji Maharaj are considered to be very rare and special. When it comes to Princely states, coins issued by Bhavnagar, Bhopal, Indore, Hyderabad, Mysore, Kutch and Travancore are very popular among collectors. Finally, Indian coins of Hindu kingdoms like Nolambas, Yadavas, Parmaras were also very attractive.
Coins of British India and other European Colonies
Colonial coins of India were the ones issued by the Dutch East India Company, Danish East India Company, French East India Company, British East India Company, Madras Presidency, Bengal Presidency, Bombay Presidency, British India, Indo-Portuguese issues, Kingdom of Portugal, Republic of Portugal and Ceylon. Each European nation followed their own currency system. The East India Company had divided their territories into three presidencies for administrative purposes. Each of these presidencies issued different coins for circulation within their respective regions. The Gold Mohur coins featuring queen Victoria are very rare had have a great market value.
Modern Indian Coins
Finally, modern Indian coins were the ones that were struck after India became an independent country. Old British Coins were used as frozen currency until 1950 when the Indian constitution was formed. The very first modern coins of India were of the denomination 1 rupee and were minted in 1950. These coins of India can be classified into two groups — Anna Series and Decimal coinage series. The latest addition to Indian coinage is the 10 rupee coin. Several commemorative issues have also been struck to celebrate momentous occasions.
With so many varieties to explore, it might get a little confusing at the beginning. Pick up any one category and start collecting Indian coins. You will be surprised to discover some mind-blowing facts from our past that will definitely make you proud to be an Indian.
