Old Coins Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has a rich history of coinage spanning several centuries. The country's ancient coins are highly sought after by collectors and numismatists worldwide. Here are some notable old coins from Sri Lanka:

1. Kahavanu: The Kahavanu is one of the earliest coins of Sri Lanka. These small, copper coins were minted during the Anuradhapura period (3rd century BC to 10th century AD). They usually featured various symbols and inscriptions.

2. Massa Coins: Massa coins were introduced during the Polonnaruwa period (10th to 12th century AD). These coins were made of copper and featured inscriptions in Sinhala or Tamil. They were often square or rectangular in shape.

3. Gaja Lakshmi Coins: Gaja Lakshmi coins were issued during the Kotte period (15th to 16th century AD). These silver coins depicted the Hindu goddess Lakshmi on one side and an elephant on the other side. They were popular during the reign of King Parakramabahu VI.

4. Rixdollar: The Rixdollar was introduced by the Dutch during their colonial rule in Sri Lanka (17th to 18th century AD). These coins were made of silver and featured the Dutch coat of arms on one side and a lion on the other side.

5. British Ceylon Coins: During the British colonial period (19th to 20th century), Sri Lanka used various British coins as legal tender. The most commonly found British coins from this era are the Victorian pennies, halfpennies, and farthings.

6. Sri Lankan Rupee Coins: Sri Lanka started issuing its own currency, the Sri Lankan rupee, in 1870. Over the years, the country has minted various coins in different denominations, including 1 cent, 2 cents, 5 cents, 10 cents, 25 cents, 50 cents, and 1 rupee. These coins feature important national symbols, historical figures, and landmarks.

It's important to note that the value and rarity of these old coins can vary depending on their condition, historical significance, and demand among collectors. If you have specific coins in mind or need assistance with evaluating their worth, it's recommended to consult with a professional numismatist or coin dealer.