Kings on Coins - King Gondophares I, Indo-Parthian Empire

King Gondophares was the first king of the Indo-Parthian Empire. He ruled from 20 AD to 47 AD. He declared himself independent of Parthian Empire and later took over the Kabul valley and Punjab area from Kushan king Kujula Kadphises. His empire covered the region of Eastern Afghanistan, Pakistan and Northern India as seen in the below map. His capital was Taxshila in initial years and Kabul in later years. Gondophares was among the first Greek kings to rule on Indian territory. He was also known by name ‘Gastaphar’ in Armenian language and ‘Gondapharna’ and ‘Gudurhara’ in Indian Pali language.

GONDOPHARAN SYMBOL

King Gondophares issued large variety of silver and copper coins during his reign. These coins were the beautiful, bearing his portrait. His portrait on coins were very well carved showing his headband, necklace, ear-rings and a dress with round decorations. Some of the coins also had the gondopharan symbol inscribed on it (shown above).

The first coin above is a copper drachm coin of Jammu region of Northwest India with the portrait of king facing right and legend around it in circle in greek language on obverse side and on the reverse Pallas standing right with thunderbolt and shield with kharoshti (pali) letters around.

This second coin is a silver tetradrachm coin from Gandhara region of Northwest India.

Obverse - King mounted on horseback with arm raised, right; 'Gondopharan' symbol with pellet in right field.

Reverse - Zeus right; Monogram and Kharosthi control letters. Small Nandipada symbol below sceptre.

This third coin is a silver tetradrachm coin of the Arachosia region.

Obverse - King mounted on horseback, facing left, receiving wreath from Nike.

Reverse - Gondopharan symbol; Kharosthi legend.

Kings on Coins - Maharaja Vikram Sinh Rao, Dewas Sr. Br.

Maharaja Vikram Sinh Rao Pavar was the ruler of Dewas State, Senior Branch from 1937 to 1948. It is a maratha state located in west-central India, present Maharashtra. The rule of Dewas state was divided between two brothers Krishnaji Rao and Narayan Rao. They each ruled Dewas State, Senior Branch and Dewas State, Junior Branch.

The copper coin shown above is the only issue with the name and portrait of the king of that state. The mintage is not known exactly but it is extrmely low. Hence it is a very rare and valuable coin. In the year 1888 1/12 anna and 1/4 anna coin were also minted separately for both the states with the portrait of Empress Victoria. Curious coin collectors can note this small information,that in an recent auction, this small, strange looking copper coin was sold out for more than US$500 only.

Kings on Coins - King Edward VIII, Great Britain

King Edward VIII became the king of Great Britain after his father King George V on 20th January 1936. But he wasn't able to rule for longer period. He was in love with an American Lady (divorcee) and wanted to marry her. But this marraige was opposed by King's government on legal, religious, political and moral grounds. Further his wish was also opposed by Church of England and other Heads of many English Establishments all over the world. The king had to choose between the throne and his love. He chose his love. And so the opposition towards this incident led to the abdication of the king on 10th Decenber 1936 by his consent. He gave away the throne to his younger brother King George VI.

Regarding the coins, officially no coins were struck bearing head of Edward VIII for the circulation. But pattern coins of one penny and three pence were struck in small quantity with the year 1937. Unofficial pattern coin of One Crown and Half sovereigns were also struck but they don't have any catalog value.

But outside England, coins of Edward VIII were officially struck in British territories of East Africa and West Africa without the face. These coins became very popular and pride for every coin collector. In East Africa these coins were issued in 5 penny and 10 penny denominations and in West Africa in 1 penny, half and one-tenth penny. Those coin are known as hole pennies.

Besides these, coins in the name of King Edward VIII were struck in Indian Princely States of Kutch and Jodhpur by local rulers. Below is the picture of the copper quarter anna coin of Jodhpur state in the joint name of Maharaja Umaid Singh and Edward VIII issued in year 1936.

The coin shown above is a silver 1 kori coin of Kutch state in the joint name of Maharaja Khengarji III and Edward VIII. Other denominations are 3 dokda, 2 1/2 and 5 kori, in which coins in the name of Edward VIII were issued. 3 dokda coin was issued in copper and other coins in silver metal. Two and half kori is rarest of them and is scarcely available.

Another official coin bearing the head of King Edward VIII was issued by Gibraltar in 1993 on the 40th anniversary of coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. This coin was issued in proof silver and in 1 crown and half crown denominations On this occasion coins with the head of many former kings and queens were also issued.

Other than these no coins have been officially minted for Edward VIII. There are many other coins, but all of them are fantasy or pattern coins which have no catalog value. Collectors should be beware of them.

Here is the official design of an australian 1 dollar note which was suppose to be issued with the picture of King Edward VIII, but such notes were never printed. No banknote was ever issued bearing his name or portrait anywhere.

Kings on Coins - King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Thailand

King Adulyadej Bhumibol also known as Rama IX is one of the most loved king of Thailand. He became king in 1946 at the age of 18 after his elder brother King Ananda Mahidol's death. His name Bhumibol Adulyadej means "Strenght of land & Incomparable power". In Thailand the king is seen as the incarnation of God Vishnu. And so their currency notes and some coins have a Garuda (Eagle Man) on it, which is considered as vehicle of God Vishnu in Hindu mythology.

Over his period of reign a large variety of coins have been minted and with attractive designs. Many commemorative coins also have been issued on several occasions. The first coin above is a rare commemorative 5 baht coin with a front facing portrait of a king. And the second coin is a 5 baht coin with side facing portrait of king and Garuda on the backside.

Kings on Coins : Maharaja Sayajirao Gaidwad III, Baroda

H.H. Maharaja Sayajirao Gaikwad of Baroda was the most loved, praised and intelligent king of his time. He was a visionary and in his time he gave such advanced techniques of preserving water, sanitation and education which is useful even today. His social reforms were very helpful in uplifting and development of Baroda state. Because of this he is still the favourite king of Barodians. He was also honoured by Queen Victoria on several occasions and was honoured with the title "Kesar-e-Hind".

The above coin is a silver One Rupee coin of Baroda State with the effigy of the king. There is one more variety in his effigy. His silver coins are also available in denominations of Half Rupee, Four Annas and Two Annas. The Half Rupee coin is a very rare coin and is traded among collectors at a price of Rs.25000.

This is my first post in "Kings on Coins" series.