Assam SE 1716 rupee KM-223

Assam (Ahom Kingdom) began striking coins based on the rupee system in the 1600's. The design elements were borrowed from nearby Cooch Behar, but the octagonal shape was an invention of the Assamese. The Ahom script was used up through the reign of Gadadhara Simha, after which Sanskrit was used for most issues. Saka Era (SE) dates are 78 years earlier than current year dates in Western countries.

Shown is a rupee From Guarinatha Simha with inscription in Assamese. This king ruled at a time when the kingdom was under siege from invaders in the east. Perhaps because of this he struck prolific coinage and rupees from his reign are by far the easiest to find. The example shown has the number '68' at base of reverse. It is unknown what it refers to.

Recorded mintage: unknown.

Specification: 11.3 g, silver.

Catalog reference: KM 223, Rhodes and Bose R59.1.

Source:

• Michael, Thomas, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1701-1800, 7th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2016.
• Rhodes, N. G., and Bose, S. K. The Coinage of Assam - Volume II Ahom Period. Kolkata, India: A.O.P Pvt. Ltd., 2004

Link to:

• SE1715 rupee, Sarvvananda Simha
• SE1715 rupee, Bharatha Simha
• Assam SE 1716 rupee KM-308
• (SE 1702-1718) 1/32 rupee
• (SE 1702-1718) 1/16 rupee
• (SE 1702-1718) 1/8 rupee
• SE 1707 (year 6) ¼ rupee
• SE 1709 ¼ mohur
• (1702-1718) half rupee
• Coins and currency dated 1794
• return to coins of India, Assam