The Ancient Coinage of Mainland Southeast Asia

Originating from India, coins in Southeast Asia during the first millenium used mostly Indic symbols, such as the Rising Sun or the srlvatsa, an Indian auspicious symbol of fertility and abundance, usually associated with Sri Laksmi or with the tuft of hair on Vishnu’s chest.

In Cambodia, recovered coins date from the pre-Angkorean period and are generally associated with the Funan or Chenla Kindgoms, with the Mon-Dravavati Kingdom in the North, or with the Piyu culture.