Indo Sasanian help needed

[Tom Mullally]

Good evening, all,

I was recently given this coin, which I believe to be Indo Sasanian.  I have seen these before, but I cannot seem to find much information on line. Does anyone have an idea to date, denomination, catalogue number, description, etc? This coin weighs 4.37 g and is 15.1 mm at its widest.

I appreciate the help,

Tom

[Howard Cole]

These are common coins from India.  They are based on Indo-Sasanian coins but they really are not.  When I get home from work, I will give you a reference for this coin.

[Howard Cole]

This is a Gadhaiya Paisa made by the Chaulukyas of Gujarat.  It is a billon coin.  It is a anonymous coin late in the series which was made between 1120-1210 AD.  Your coin is Deyell 159 in his book Living Without Silver.

The obverse has a very stylized crowned head facing right, partly off the flan on your coin.  Most of the facial features have geometric patterns.  The reverse is a fire altar flanked by attendants, both of which have become lines and dots.

[Tom Mullally]

Howard, thanks for your help, I knew you'd have the answer.  It's funny though, I'd always seen these attributed to the Indo Sasanians...are these imitating a type from the Sasanians?  (OK, I mean other than the obvious fire altar and attendents...)  I guess that's why I couldn't find examples during my Indo Sasanian search.

Thanks  again,
Tom

[Howard Cole]

I not sure if they imitate a particular ruler or not.  I would have to look in my references and see what they say.  They are removed from the Sasanians by 200 to 300 years so they may not.

[Howard Cole]

Deyell and Mitchiner believe that these are copies of coins that are copying Hephthalite coins, which are copying Sasanian coins.  So, no I don't think you can point to one coin type as the prototype for these coins.