Malayaman Chiefs of Tirukoilur Copper Square Coin – Horse & River Map Type, c. 50–100 CE

An ancient copper square coin issued by the Malayaman Chiefs of Tirukoilur, one of the regional powers of the Sangam period in ancient Tamilakam.

Malayaman coinage is distinctive for its unusual combination of a horse emblem on one side and a symbolic representation of their territory on the other. The reverse commonly depicts a wide curving river, hills, fishes and associated geographical symbols, often interpreted as a stylised map of the Tirukoilur region and the river flowing through Malayaman territory. Auction catalogues describe closely related types with the horse facing right and the reverse showing three hills, a curved river with fishes and subsidiary symbols.

On this specimen, the river/map side remains clearly recognisable, while the horse side is substantially worn. The dark brown patina and surface wear are consistent with a heavily circulated ancient copper coin.

Dynasty: Malayaman Chiefs
Region: Tirukoilur / Tirukovilur, Tamil Nadu
Period: Sangam period, approximately c. 50–100 CE
Metal: Copper
Shape: Square
Obverse: Horse type, heavily worn on this specimen
Reverse: Stylised territorial map with curved river and associated symbols
Condition: Lower circulated grade; reverse considerably clearer than obverse