Satavahana Empire (Newase Paithan Area) Copper Elephant-Type Coin

Satavahana Empire (Chhimuka Satavahana), c. 30-20 BCE or 125–100 BCE, Newase–Paithan Area, Alloyed Copper Elephant-Type Coin, Weight: 7.33 grams, Diameter: 20 mm (Irregular/crude shape), Reference: Pieper #2632, Extremely Fine, Very Scarce.

Obverse: Elephant walking to the right with raised trunk, accompanied by the Brahmi legend “(Rano)…Kaṃ Chha…” arranged around the figure.

Reverse: Tree with broad leaves, surrounded by ancillary symbols and decorative elements.

Chhimuka Satavahana, also known as Simuka, is traditionally regarded as the founder of the Satavahana dynasty, which emerged as an important power in the Deccan during the early centuries BCE. The Newase–Paithan region was an important centre associated with the early Satavahanas, and its coinage provides valuable evidence for the political and economic development of the dynasty. The elephant type is particularly associated with this regional series and reflects the distinctive local character of early Satavahana monetary issues.

Coinage Note: This alloyed copper elephant-type coin of Chhimuka Satavahana is a distinctive regional issue associated with the Newase–Paithan area. The obverse depicts an elephant with raised trunk accompanied by a Brahmi legend, while the reverse features a broad-leaved tree with ancillary symbols. Its irregular, crude fabric is characteristic of early Deccan cast or struck copper coinage. Referenced as Pieper #2632, this extremely fine and rare issue is an important example of the early Satavahana coinage tradition.