Pudukkottai Coins
The princely state of Pudukkottai, located in southern India, has a rich numismatic history that reflects its political and economic evolution. For centuries, this small kingdom issued coins that served not only as a medium of exchange, but also as symbols of power and sovereignty. The numismatics of Pudukkottai offer a fascinating window into the history of this region and its relations with other Indian states and colonial powers.
Evolution of Pudukkottai Coins
The earliest coins of Pudukkottai date back to the 18th century, when the state began minting its own copper pieces. These early coins, known as "kasu," featured simple designs with local symbols and sometimes inscriptions in Tamil. As the state gained prominence, the coins became more elaborate, incorporating portraits of rulers and religious motifs. During the 19th century, Pudukkottai issued a series of silver and gold coins, reflecting the state's growing prosperity. These pieces, known as "Pudukkottai rupees," circulated alongside East India Company and later British India coins, demonstrating the state's relative autonomy in monetary matters.
Historical significance and collecting
Pudukkottai coins are highly valued by collectors and historians because of their rarity and historical significance. They offer valuable information about the state's political and economic alliances, as well as its cultural and artistic traditions. For example, some coins show Mughal design influences, while others reflect local South Indian styles. The transition of Pudukkottai coins over time also illustrates the state's gradual integration into the British monetary system, culminating in 1947 with India's independence and the subsequent absorption of Pudukkottai into the state of Madras (present-day Tamil Nadu). Today, these coins are tangible witnesses to a bygone era, preserving the memory of a princely state that played a unique role in the complex tapestry of pre-independent India.
The most valuable and popular coins
The most valuable Pudukkottai coins and sought after by collectors according to Foronum statistics are the following:
The valuation of these coins has been achieved through a meticulous algorithm that considers the current market, taking into account aspects such as material, weight, diameter, edge, year of mintage, mint of manufacture and the number of coins produced. Coins with limited mintages and in good condition are usually among the most valuable.
Ancient coins of India-Princely States
To facilitate their classification, we have decided to organise the coins according to their historical period, you can consult the coins by historical numismatic categories of India-Princely States.
Bhopal Bikaner Bahawalpur Baroda Gwalior Hyderabad Indore Jaipur Jodhpur Junagadh Kutch Mewar Nawanagar Pudukkottai Ratlam Tonk TravancoreCoin Catalog
1 amman cash (Pudukottai)
1 amman cash (Pudukottai)
1 amman cash (Pudukkottai)
Other resources to find coins and banknotes of India-Princely States
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