Watch List notes:

INDIA, Post-Mauryan (Deccan). Satavahanas (Andhras). Vasisthiputra Pulumavi, circa 78-114. Drachm (Silver, 15 mm, 1.95 g, 12 h). SIRI PULUMAVISA RANO VASITHIPUTASA ('Lord Pulumavi, son of Queen Vasisthiputra' in Brahmi) Curly-haired bust of Vasisthiputra Pulumavi, to right, wearing jewel on forehead and battle-axe earrings. Rev. ARAHANAKU VAHITTI MAKANAKU TIRU PULUMAVIKU (in southern Brahmi/Telugu) Four-orbed Ujjain symbol on the left; on the right, six-arched hill surmounted by crescent; above, sun smbol. Mitchiner, Coinage of Southern India, 146. Pieper 686. Holed twice, otherwise, about very fine.


The silver coins of the Satavahana Empire represent the first numismatic portraits indigenous to India and are likely a response to the coinage of their rivals, the Western Kshatrapas. The frequent piercing of these drachms indicates that they were often worn as pendants.