Assam SE 1739 1 rupee
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 one rupee from Brajanatha Simha, who ruled the Ahom kindom at a time when the Moamaria rebels in the east made almost continuous incursions. Only with help from the British in Bengal was Assam able to continue functioning. It is dated SE 1739 (1817 AD).
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 11.3 g, silver.
Catalog reference: KM#265, Rhodes and Bose T8.1.
- 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.
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