33 rd Annual Numismatic Conference in Bangalore

Join the 33 rd annual numismatic conference in Bangalore on 24 and 25 May 2025, organized by the South Indian Numismatic Society (SINS) and hosted by the Mythic Society. Discover expert talks, exhibitions, workshops, and networking opportunities—all for an entry fee of ₹500 (local) or ₹2,000 (outstation).

• Introduction: The Legacy of the South Indian Numismatic Society
• The Venue: Mythic Society, Bangalore
• Conference Dates and Schedule Highlights
• Themes and Tracks: From Ancient Coins to Modern Currency
• Keynote Speakers and Expert Panels
• Workshops and Hands-On Sessions
• Exhibitions and Dealers’ Galleries
• Coin Appraisal and Authentication Clinics
• Networking Events and Delegates’ Meetup
• Registration Details and Entry Fees
• Accommodation and Local Logistics
• Significance for the Numismatic Community
• Tips for Maximum Conference Benefit
• Conclusion
• Frequently Asked Questions

Introduction: The Legacy of the South Indian Numismatic Society

The South Indian Numismatic Society (SINS), established in 1979, has been at the forefront of promoting research and interest in coins, medals, and related currency items across the southern peninsula of India. Over four decades, SINS has organised seminars, workshops, and annual conferences. These events provide a scholarly platform for both seasoned and novice numismatists.

Their previous XXXII conference in April 2024 saw record attendance, featuring papers on medieval south Indian coinage and a special exhibition of rare chola-era coins . The society’s enduring mission is to foster collaboration among collectors, historians, archaeologists, and economists, ensuring that India’s rich numismatic heritage continues to be studied and celebrated.

The Venue: Mythic Society, Bangalore

The Mythic Society, founded in 1909 by F.H. Richards, is one of Bangalore’s oldest scholarly institutions, dedicated to anthropology, epigraphy, numismatics, and cultural studies Mythic Society. Situated at 14/3, Nrupatunga Road, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560001, the Society’s colonial-era building offers both historic ambiance and modern conference facilities.

Attendees will gather in the grand Main Hall for opening ceremonies and keynote addresses. Smaller seminar rooms on the upper floors will host workshops and panel discussions. The venue’s central location in the heritage precinct ensures easy access to the city’s hotels, restaurants, and transport hubs.

Conference Dates and Schedule Highlights

Spanning two full days on 24 and 25 May 2025, the conference kicks off with registration and a welcome breakfast on Saturday morning, followed by inaugural addresses and the unveiling of the special exhibition.

Day one focuses on scholarly lectures and thematic workshops, interspersed with coffee breaks and a luncheon. Day two features hands-on coin-handling sessions, appraisal clinics, and a dealers’ gallery, culminating in a gala dinner and certificate distribution ceremony. Detailed timings will be shared on the official SINS website and at registration.

• Day 1 (24 May 2025): Opening ceremony, plenary sessions on ancient south Indian coinage, afternoon workshops on metallurgy analysis, evening networking cocktail .
• Day 2 (25 May 2025): Hands-on sessions, authentication clinics, dealers’ gallery showcasing coins from over 20 dealers, closing gala dinner with keynote reflections .

Themes and Tracks: From Ancient Coins to Modern Currency

The conference is structured around four thematic tracks:

• Early South Indian Coinage:
• The study of Early South Indian Coinage is an essential part of Indian numismatics, offering unique insights into the economic, political, and cultural evolution of the subcontinent’s southern regions. Coins from ancient dynasties such as the Cheras, Cholas, Pandyas, Pallavas, and the Satavahanas reveal a wealth of information about trade links, religious affiliations, iconography, metallurgy, and minting techniques.
• Unlike their northern counterparts, early South Indian coins often display distinctive symbols, inscriptions in regional scripts, and stylistic influences drawn from Roman, Southeast Asian, and indigenous traditions.
  
  Chronology and Key Dynasties
  Early South Indian coinage spans roughly from 300 BCE to 800 CE, a period during which numerous dynasties flourished across what is today Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Kerala. The primary issuing authorities during this time were:
  Satavahanas (1st century BCE – 3rd century CE)
  Sangam Age kingdoms – Cheras, Cholas, and Pandyas (300 BCE – 300 CE)
  Pallavas (4th – 9th century CE)
  Kadambas and Gangas (4th – 6th century CE)
  These dynasties produced coins in various metals, including copper, lead, silver, and potin (a bronze alloy), often with unique regional characteristics.
  
  Material and Minting Techniques
  Most early South Indian coins were cast or die-struck, depending on the region and era. Unlike the punch-marked coins of North India, Southern coins were more likely to be die-struck on a single side (uniface), although double-die-struck coins are also found in later periods.
  Lead coins were extensively used in Andhra and coastal Tamil Nadu—often large, heavy, and circular or square.
  Copper coins were widely circulated and bore local motifs.
  Silver coins were less common in early South India but gained traction during later stages.
  Potin coins, especially in Kerala, were issued by the Cheras and reflect strong Roman trade connections.
  Metallurgical analysis reveals that ancient mints in the south employed basic smelting and casting methods, followed by hand-engraving of dies. Some Satavahana coins even reveal Greek and Roman stylistic techniques, especially in the depiction of rulers or ship motifs.
  
  Iconography and Inscriptions
  Early South Indian coins are remarkable for their rich iconography, often rooted in indigenous belief systems, nature worship, and local political symbolism. Common motifs include:
  Elephants, bulls, horses – indicating strength, royal authority, and agrarian culture.
  Trees, swastikas, wheels (chakra), conch shells – signifying religious and cosmological themes.
  Ships and fish symbols – representing maritime trade and dynastic symbols (like the Pandya fish emblem).
  Human figures – generally stylized and often assumed to be kings, deities, or priests.
  Tamili or Brahmi script inscriptions**, mostly naming rulers or dynasties.
  For example, Pandya coins often feature a stylized fish on one side and inscriptions in Brahmi on the other. Chola coins sometimes display tigers (the dynastic emblem) alongside the image of a bow, and Pallava coins depict lion-like creatures or religious symbols like the “Srivatsa.”
  
  Economic and Trade Significance
  The early coinage of South India wasn’t just a medium of exchange—it was a powerful tool of statecraft, economic control, and cultural expression. Many coins suggest a flourishing trade network:
  Inland trade with the Deccan and northern India
  Maritime trade with Rome, Southeast Asia, and Sri Lanka
  Market economies in port cities like Arikamedu, Puhar (Kaveripattinam), and Muziris
  Roman gold and silver coins (Aurei and Denarii) have been found in large hoards across Tamil Nadu and Kerala, confirming bilateral exchange and possibly bullion melting and reissue practices by South Indian rulers.
  
  Regional Highlights
  Satavahana Coins: Predominantly found in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, these coins include bilingual inscriptions (Prakrit and Tamil-Brahmi), with depictions of ships, elephants, and the Ujjain symbol (crossed lines with dots).
  Chera Coins: Mostly struck in potin, featuring elephant and bow motifs, and influenced by Roman coin weight standards. Found in central Kerala.
  Chola Coins: Limited issues from the early period, often with tiger emblems and bows, used locally in Tamilakam.
  Pandya Coins: Rich in symbolism, featuring fish emblems and religious motifs, found in southern Tamil Nadu.
  Pallava Coins: Copper coins with lion emblems and Nagari/Brahmi legends. Primarily circulated in northern Tamil Nadu.
  
  Archaeological Evidence and Discoveries
  Numerous coin hoards and excavation sites across Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala have uncovered early coins, often in association with brick structures, pottery shards, and terracotta seals. Notable discoveries include:
  Karur Hoard: A mix of Roman and Pandyan coins, suggesting a vibrant trading hub.
  Arikamedu: Excavations revealed large numbers of lead and copper coins, along with imported amphorae and Roman ceramics.
  Kodumanal and Pattanam: Provided material evidence for ancient industrial activities like bead-making and minting.
  
  Role in Modern Numismatic Studies
  Today, these coins serve as critical primary sources for understanding the political geography, trade dynamics, and cultural practices of early South India. They are widely studied in Indian universities, featured in museum collections (like the Government Museum, Chennai), and analyzed in academic journals and at conferences like the 33 rd annual numismatic conference.
  Digitization projects, 3D scanning, and metal spectroscopy have further enhanced the study of early South Indian coins, offering fresh insights into mint locations, metallurgical composition, and economic chronology.
  
• Medieval and Sultanate Currencies:
• Key features include:Medieval and Sultanate currencies in South India reflect a dynamic era of political change, cultural fusion, and economic expansion spanning roughly from the 8th to the 16th century CE. During this period, powerful regional kingdoms like the Cholas, Hoysalas, and Vijayanagara Empire, as well as northern rulers like the Delhi Sultanate and Bahmani Sultanate, issued coins in gold, silver, and copper.
• Chola Coins: Typically gold coins (called “Kasu”) with images of the king, seated deities, and Tamil inscriptions.
• Vijayanagara Empire Coins: Known for their high gold content and beautiful depictions of Hindu gods like Balakrishna and Lord Venkateswara. Their coinage helped stabilize trade and temple economies.
• Bahmani and Deccan Sultanates: Issued coins in Persian script, often featuring Islamic inscriptions, floral motifs, and references to caliphates.
• Delhi Sultanate in the South: During their brief expansion into the Deccan, they introduced bilingual coins combining Arabic and Nagari scripts.
• These coins provide valuable insights into religious shifts, political authority, trade networks, and cultural synthesis between Islamic and Hindu traditions in medieval India. They are commonly studied for their rich iconography and metallurgical innovations.

• Colonial and Post-Colonial Money:
• Colonial and Post-Colonial Money in India marks a significant transformation in the country’s monetary system, spanning from the arrival of European powers in the 16th century to the establishment of the Republic of India in 1950 and beyond.
• Colonial Period:
• Portuguese, Dutch, French, and British coins circulated in various parts of India.
• The British East India Company introduced uniform coinage in silver and copper with Queen Victoria’s portrait starting from 1835.
• Three Presidency mints—Bombay, Madras, and Calcutta—issued distinct coin types until standardization.
• Introduction of rupee-based currency, use of machinery-struck coins, and modern minting techniques marked a shift from hand-struck coins.
• Post-Colonial Period:
• After 1947, India began issuing coins with “Government of India” markings and removed British monarch portraits.
• The first Republic of India coin series came out in 1950, featuring national symbols like the Lion Capital of Ashoka.
• Over time, the government introduced commemorative coins, decimalization in 1957, and modern coins in stainless steel and bimetallic forms.
• Today’s coins also include Braille features, regional languages, and digital-ready minting technologies.
• This era reflects India’s shift from foreign domination to sovereignty and the evolution of currency as a symbol of national identity and technological progress.

• Modern Numismatics: .Modern Numismatics refers to the study and collection of coins, currency, and medals from the 19th century to the present day, with a focus on machine-minted, standardized, and commemorative issues.
• Key features include:
• Commemorative Coins: Issued to mark important events, personalities, or anniversaries (e.g., Mahatma Gandhi, Olympic Games).
• Bullion Coins: Coins made from precious metals like gold and silver, often collected for investment.
• Mint Errors and Varieties: Collectors value coins with striking errors, misprints, or unique dies.
• Digital Cataloguing: Online platforms and mobile apps help track, grade, and trade coins.
• Global Collecting Trends: Increasing interest in international coins, themed sets, and certified grading (NGC, PCGS).
• Modern numismatics blends technology, artistry, and global commerce, making it one of the most accessible and dynamic fields for collectors and researchers today.

Each track features expert panels, illustrated presentations, and interactive Q&A sessions to encourage dialogue across disciplines .

The society’s enduring mission is to foster collaboration among collectors, historians, archaeologists, and economists, ensuring that India’s rich numismatic heritage continues to be studied and celebrated.

Their previous XXXII conference in April 2024 saw record attendance, featuring papers on medieval south Indian coinage and a special exhibition of rare Chola-era coins.

Keynote Speakers and Expert Panels

Esteemed numismatists from India and abroad will deliver keynote lectures, including:

• Dr. A. Raghavan, former curator at the National Museum, on “Monumental Coin Hoards of the Chola Dynasty.”
• Prof. Leena Joshi, University of Pune, on “Metallurgical Innovations in Medieval Indian Mints.”
• Mr. Michael Taylor, British Museum consultant, on “Digital Imaging and Cataloguing of Coins.”

Following each keynote, panel discussions will invite commentary from local scholars such as Dr. P. Narayanan (Institute of Epigraphy) and Ms. Sangeetha Rao (Numismatics Collections blog) Dr.S.Srikanta Sastri.

Workshops and Hands-On Sessions

Practical workshops are a conference highlight:

• Coin Cleaning and Preservation: Demonstrations of conservation techniques using non-invasive methods.
• Die-Axis Measurement: Hands-on training in measuring die-axis angles to identify mint patterns.
• XRF Analysis for Metal Content: Live showcase of portable X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) units for on-site compositional testing.

Attendees will rotate through small groups (max. 15 per session) to ensure personalized instruction from specialists such as Dr. Meera Iyer, a conservation scientist at the Indian Museum.

Exhibitions and Dealers’ Galleries

A curated special exhibition by SINS will display over 200 rare coins on thematic stands:

• Early Satavahana Fanams: Rare specimens from private collections.
• Vijayanagara Gold Pagodas: Featuring high-resolution images and contextual maps.
• Commemorative Tokens of Modern India: Including mint error pieces and limited-issue medallions.

Adjacent to the exhibition, a dealers’ gallery will host more than 20 vendors from across India, offering coins, banknotes, and numismatic literature. Delegates can consult with dealers on valuation, purchase memorabilia, and explore upcoming auction catalogs.

Coin Appraisal and Authentication Clinics

On Day 2, fully-equipped appraisal tables will be staffed by leading experts:

• Authentication of Medieval Silver: Spotting forgeries and electrotype copies.
• Market Valuation Clinic: Real-time price estimates based on current bullion rates.
• Grading Workshop: Principles of Sheldon grading scales for circulated and proof coins.

Delegates may bring up to five items for free appraisal: additional items incur a nominal fee of ₹200 each.

Networking Events and Delegates’ Meetup

Beyond formal sessions, the conference fosters connections through:

• Welcome Cocktail Reception (24 May, 6:00 PM): Light hors d’oeuvres and presentations by SINS dignitaries.
• Gala Dinner (25 May, 7:30 PM): Traditional Karnataka cuisine, cultural performances, and an awards ceremony recognizing outstanding research papers.
• Breakfast Roundtables: Informal discussions on emerging trends in numismatic research.

These gatherings allow collectors, academics, and dealers to exchange insights, forge collaborations, and plan future field trips and joint publications.

Registration Details and Entry Fees

Registration tiers are designed to accommodate both local and outstation participants:

• Local Delegate (₹500): Access to all lectures, exhibitions, workshops, and networking events.
• Outstation Delegate (₹2,000): Includes a conference kit with souvenir catalog, lunch vouchers, and gala dinner pass.

On-site registration will be available, but early registration (by 10 May 2025) is strongly recommended to secure workshop seats and receive discounted accommodation rates.

Accommodation and Local Logistics

Suggested hotels within 2 km of Mythic Society:

• Hotel Bangalore Ashok: ₹2,500–3,500 per night, 15 min walk.
• The Capitol Hotel: ₹3,200–4,200 per night, 10 min auto-rikshaw ride.
• Budget Guesthouse: ₹1,000–1,500 per night, accessible by metro (closest station: Chinnaswamy).

Local transport options include auto-rickshaws, app-based cabs, and the Purple Line metro. The venue is a 30-minute drive from Bangalore City Railway Station and 45 minutes from Kempegowda International Airport.

Significance for the Numismatic Community

The 33 rd annual numismatic conference is more than a gathering—it represents:

• A bridge between academic research and hobbyist interests.
• A platform for unveiling unpublished studies and hoard discoveries.
• An incubator for collaborative digital cataloguing and database projects.
• Enhanced public engagement through exhibitions that showcase India’s monetary heritage.

By facilitating dialogue among experts and enthusiasts, the conference ensures that numismatics remains a vibrant, multidisciplinary field .

Tips for Maximum Conference Benefit

To make the most of your attendance:

• Plan Your Schedule: Review session times in advance and pre-book workshops.
• Pack Essentials: Coin loupe, notebook, portable charger, and business cards for networking.
• Engage Actively: Ask questions during Q&A, participate in roundtables, and visit dealer stalls.
• Follow Up: Join SINS’s mailing list for post-conference publications and upcoming events.
• Explore Bangalore: Take an afternoon break to visit the nearby Visvesvaraya Industrial & Technological Museum or Cubbon Park.

Conclusion

The 33 rd annual numismatic conference in Bangalore promises two days of rich learning, hands-on practice, and invaluable connections for anyone passionate about coins and currency. Whether you’re a scholar presenting original research, a collector seeking rare pieces, or a newcomer curious about India’s monetary past, this event offers something for everyone.

Mark your calendars for 24–25 May 2025, secure your registration, and join the South Indian Numismatic Society at the Mythic Society to celebrate, study, and share in the timeless allure of numismatics.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the exact dates and venue of the conference?
The conference takes place on 24 and 25 May 2025 at the Mythic Society, 14/3 Nrupatunga Road, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560001 .

Who is eligible to attend, and how do I register?
Anyone interested in coins—collectors, historians, students—can register online via the SINS website or on-site. Early registration by 10 May 2025 is recommended.

What are the entry fees?
Local delegates pay ₹500, while outstation delegates pay ₹2,000, which includes additional benefits like the gala dinner and souvenir catalog .

Can I bring coins for appraisal?
Yes. Each delegate may bring up to five items for free appraisal; extra items incur a ₹200 fee per item.

Are workshops included in the entry fee?
Yes, all standard workshops and sessions are included. Seats are limited, so pre-booking through the registration portal is advised.

Will conference proceedings be published?
Selected papers will appear in the upcoming issue of the SINS Journal of Numismatics. All delegates receive digital proceedings in their conference kit.

Is accommodation arranged by the organizers?
No official block bookings, but SINS provides a list of nearby hotels and negotiated rates. Delegates arrange their own stay.