Sangam Age Malayaman Copper Coin – Horse & River Map Type, c. AD 50–100 M64

Sangam Age Malayaman Copper Coin – Horse & River Map Type, c. AD 50–100 (3.12gm)

An ancient copper coin attributed to the Malayaman chiefs of Tirukoilur, one of the regional ruling houses of Tamilakam during the Sangam period.

Malayaman copper coins are particularly distinctive for their unusual combination of a horse motif and a symbolic geographical scene. The horse was closely associated with Malayaman coinage, while the opposite side depicts what numismatists interpret as a representation of their territory around Tirukoilur. Published examples show a flowing river, fishes, hills or mountains, a rectangular settlement or town symbol and associated control symbols.

On this specimen, the map side remains the stronger of the two. A curving river-like design, a rectangular enclosure and several pellets or associated symbols can still be seen. The opposite side is considerably worn, with only traces of the original horse-type design surviving.

Coins of this series were struck on irregular copper flans and individual specimens can differ considerably in shape, strike and placement of the devices. Comparable specimens are attributed to the Tirukoilur region around the 1st century AD.

Dynasty/Chiefdom: Malayaman
Region: Tirukoilur, Ancient Tamilakam
Period: Sangam Age
Date: c. AD 50–100
Metal: Copper
Type: Horse / River Map type
Obverse: Horse-type design, now substantially worn
Reverse: Symbolic river/map design with rectangular enclosure and associated symbols
Reference: Mitchiner T&K 204 type / related to MCSI 204–205
Condition: Heavily circulated; map-side devices remain identifiable

The photographs show the actual specimen offered. Ancient coins naturally vary in flan shape, strike, patina and preservation.

One interesting historical point

The reverse is one of the most fascinating features of Malayaman coinage. The landscape design has traditionally been interpreted as a symbolic map of Malayaman territory, incorporating a river and surrounding hills.