Massa - Raja Raja Chola I
985 year| Copper | 3.69 g | 19.7 mm |
| Issuer | Chola dynasty (Indian Hindu Dynasties) |
|---|---|
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Year | 985 |
| Value | 1 Massa |
| Currency | Stater |
| Composition | Copper |
| Weight | 3.69 g |
| Diameter | 19.7 mm |
| Thickness | 2.0 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#284472 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 65% |
Reverse
Ra below Ja.
Edge
Plain
Comment
The Chola Kingdom is an ancient, there has been references made in Mahabharatha and even in Ashokan inscriptions. It is known that Karikala was the Chola ruler who reigned in the 2nd century AD. During Karikala's reign, the capital city was moved to Kaveripattanam from Uraiyur. Nedumudikilli seems to have been the successor of Karikala, whose capital town was set to fire by the sea pirates. The frequent attacks of Pallavas, Cheras and Pandyas declined the Chola power and it was in the 8th century AD, Cholas glory began to shine when the Pallavas power declined.Vijayalaya
In around 850 AD, Vijayalaya founded the dynasty probably by starting off as a vassal of the Pallava king. With the conflict between Pallavas and Pandyas, Vijayalaya occupied Tanjore and made his capital. He was succeeded by his son Aditya-I. Aditya-I defeated Pallava king Aparajita and also Parantaka Viranarayana, the Kongu ruler.
Raja raja Chola struck coins both in Sri Lanka and India. They differed much in fabric, style and in the gold purity. The monetary economy was well defined with the Imperial Cholan conquest. In Tamilnadu, Cholas introduced coinage much prior to Raja raja's campaign in Sri Lanka. They also set voyages as far as the islands of Indonesia and Maldives through ocean. Subsequently they felt the need to mint coins to trade!
Chola's coinage issues were in all the three metals Gold, Silver and Copper. Though the coinage was mainly destined for general currency, very few commemoratives could be observed
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Massa - Raja Raja Chola I 985 coin is that it features an unusual combination of iconography, blending elements of Hinduism and Buddhism. On one side, the coin bears the image of a Hindu deity, while on the other side, it features a Buddhist wheel or Dharmachakra, which symbolizes the path to enlightenment. This blending of religious motifs reflects the syncretic nature of the Chola dynasty, which was known for its religious tolerance and patronage of both Hindu and Buddhist art and architecture.
Price
| Date | Mintage | VG | F | VF | XF | AU | UNC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 985 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Values in the table are based on evaluations by sales realized on Internet platforms. They serve as an indication only for Massa - Raja Raja Chola I 985 coin.
