Assam SE 1740 1/4 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.

The royal family of Assam was exiled during a rebellion in SE 1709 / 1787 and coins were struck for rebel leaders for a few years. The royal line was restored to the throne with the help of the British. Shown is a quarter rupee from Brajanatha Simha, dated SE 1740.

Recorded mintage: unknown.

Specification: 2.68-2.90 g, silver.

Catalog reference: KM 263.

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:

• (1702-1718) 1/8 rupee
• SE 1708 rupee
• Assam (1818-19) 1/8 rupee Brajanatha Simha
• (SE 1740-1741) half rupee
• Coins and currency dated 1818
• return to coins of India, Assam