Coins

Indo-Greek Copper Coin with Standing Deity

1st century BCE – 1st century CE Origin: Northwestern Indian Subcontinent / Kashmir-Gandhara region, Material: Copper alloy Design: Standing Hellenistic deity with Greek inscription This square copper coin belongs to the Indo-Greek numismatic tradition that emerged in the northwestern Indian subcontinent following Hellenistic expansion into the region. One side depicts a standing deity rendered in a classical style accompanied by Greek inscriptions, while the reverse features symbolic motifs characteristic of Indo-Greek and Indo-Scythian monetary systems. Such coins illustrate the cultural exchanges between the Hellenistic world, Gandhara, and Kashmir, where Greek artistic conventions blended with local traditions through trade, conquest, and transregional Private collection: Trām and Beyond

Silver Coin

(Rūpih Sikkah) رۄپیہ سِکّہ

19th century CE, Sikh or early Dogra rule, Origin: Kashmir Material: Silver Design: Paisley (boteh) motif with Persianate ornamental calligraphy and floral detailing This silver coin from 19th-century Kashmir reflects the continuation of Persianate artistic traditions during the Sikh and early Dogra periods. The design features stylized calligraphic forms combined with floral ornamentation and a prominent boteh or paisley-like motif, a design strongly associated with Kashmiri shawl and decorative arts. The densely compressed composition and ornamental abstraction are characteristic of late Kashmiri numismatic aesthetics. Such coins demonstrate how regional artistic vocabulary persisted even during periods of political transition, preserving visual traditions shaped by earlier Sultanate and Mughal influences. Private collection - Trām and Beyond

Silver Coin

(Rūpih Sikkah) رۄپیہ سِکّہ

19th century CE, Sikh or early Dogra rule Origin: Kashmir Material: Silver Design: Stylized floral rosettes and abstract animal motifs influenced by Persianate decorative traditions This silver coin belongs to the period of Sikh or early Dogra rule in Kashmir during the 19th century, when older Persianate numismatic traditions continued alongside changing political authority. The coin features densely compressed ornamental motifs, including floral rosettes and stylized animal-like forms arranged within a circular composition. Rather than naturalistic representation, the imagery is highly abstracted and decorative, reflecting the persistence of regional aesthetic conventions inherited from earlier Sultanate and Mughal traditions. Such coins illustrate the continuity of Kashmiri artistic vocabulary during periods of political transition and economic adaptation. Private collection - Trām and Beyond

Silver Tanka

(Rūpih Sikkah) رۄپیہ سِکّہ

15th century CE (Sultanate rule) Origin: Kashmir Material: Silver Design: Persian calligraphic inscription in Islamic numismatic style This silver tanka from the Kashmir Sultanate reflects the Persianate political and artistic culture that flourished under the Shah Mir rulers during the 15th century. The coin features stylized Persian calligraphy arranged within a compact square format characteristic of Kashmiri Islamic coinage. Weighing over ten grams, it belongs to the larger silver monetary tradition used during the Sultanate period, possibly associated with the reign of Zain-ul-Abidin. Such coins symbolized sovereignty, economic authority, and Kashmir’s growing integration into wider Persian and Central Asian cultural networks. Private collection - Trām and Beyond