★ The earliest Lichchavid coin ★

INDIA, Post-Gupta (Nepal). Lichchhavis. Sivadeva I, circa 576-605. AE (Bronze, 25 mm, 10.82 g, 10 h). SRI MANANKA ('Lord mark of Mana' in Brahmi) Lion standing to right with raised paw. Rev. SRI BHOGINI Goddess Lakshmi seated facing on lotus, raising her right hand and placing her left at hip. Rhodes, The Coinage of Nepal, 1. Rare. Slightly rough, otherwise, about very fine.

From a collection of coins from Central Asia.

The term mananka means ‘the mark of Mana’ and probably refers to King Manadeva, who ruled circa 464-505. However, Rhodes attributes this type to Sivadeva I, as it is closely related to coins of Sri Amshuvarman, issued in circa 605-621. Still, it is very likely the earliest Lichchavid coin.