Assam SE 1717 (year 16) 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.

Shown is a quarter rupee from Guarinatha Simha with inscription in Sanskrit. It is dated regnal year 16.

Recorded mintage: unknown.

Specification: 2.68-2.90 g, silver.

Catalog reference: KM 198.

Source:

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

Link to:

• SE 1707 ¼ rupee
• SE 1708 rupee
• Coins and currency dated 1795
• return to coins of India, Assam