Pyu Coins
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.Pyu silver coins begun circulating in the fifth century. With the apparent demise of the Pyu in the ninth century and the shift of power north to Bagan, the production of coins largely ceased. Although highly standardized in both size and weight, it is unclear whether they functioned as currency in the modern sense or, given their relative scarcity, as royally sanctioned bullion. They typically display the rising sun (svastika) on the reverse and either the auspicious throne-stool (bhadrapitha) or the srivatsa (auspicious mark embodying good fortune) on the obverse. The other recurring motif to appear on such coins is the conch (sankha), a prosperity symbol linked to water.
cat. 36A, B
cat. 36A, B
Artwork Details
- Title: Pyu Coins
- Date: 6th–8th century
- Culture: Central Myanmar
- Medium: Silver
- Dimensions: Diam. (each): approx. 1 3/16 in. (3 cm)
- Classification: Metalwork
- Credit Line: Lent by Department of Archaeology and Museums, Yangon, Myanmar
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art