Question 1

What are the oldest coins found in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

The oldest coins associated with Sri Lanka date to roughly the 3rd or 2nd century BCE and are related to the punch-marked coin tradition widespread across the Indian subcontinent. They are typically made of silver or copper and bear geometric and symbolic designs. Some scholars classify locally cast pieces of uncertain age as potentially even earlier, though dating remains a subject of ongoing research.

Question 2

Where can I buy old Sri Lankan coins legally?

Accepted Answer

Reputable numismatic dealers in Colombo and at international auction houses are the safest sources for legally provenanced Sri Lankan coins. Always ask for documentation of provenance, as Sri Lanka's Antiquities Ordinance restricts the private retention and export of undeclared antiquities. Avoid purchasing coins from informal vendors at tourist sites where documentation is rarely available.

Question 3

How do I identify an old Sri Lankan coin?

Accepted Answer

Start by examining the metal, symbols, and any script on the coin. Ancient Sri Lankan coins often feature the elephant, sun, moon, svastika, or bodhi tree. Colonial coins bear VOC monograms (Dutch) or reigning monarch portraits (British). Specialist reference books such as R. Walburg's 'Coins and Tokens from Ancient Ceylon' are the standard starting point for identification.

Question 4

Can I take old coins out of Sri Lanka as a tourist?

Accepted Answer

Exporting antique coins from Sri Lanka without proper authorisation from the Department of Archaeology is illegal and can result in confiscation and prosecution. Legally traded, post-independence commemorative coins do not face the same restrictions, but always check customs regulations before travelling. Err on the side of caution and seek advice from the seller or Sri Lanka Customs.

Question 5

What museum in Sri Lanka has the best coin collection?

Accepted Answer

The National Museum of Colombo holds the island's most comprehensive numismatic collection, ranging from pre-historic punch-marked coins to British colonial issues. The museum also houses related artefacts that provide historical context for each monetary period. Regional museums in Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and Kandy display coins relevant to their specific historical periods.

Question 6

Are VOC Dutch colonial coins common in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

VOC coins are among the more frequently encountered colonial-era coins in Sri Lanka and are popular with collectors worldwide due to their distinctive company monogram. They circulated widely in Dutch-controlled coastal territories between the mid-17th and late 18th centuries. Condition varies significantly since many were in heavy circulation, and fine examples command a premium.

Question 7

What is the value of old British Ceylon coins?

Accepted Answer

Values range widely depending on denomination, date, and condition. Common copper cents from the 19th and early 20th centuries can be found for a few dollars each, while scarcer dates, silver rupees in high grade, or proof issues can be worth considerably more. Consulting a current specialised auction catalogue or a numismatic dealer gives the most accurate valuation.

Old Coins

Related reading

Shop dit assortiment met Lakpura

City of Gold

The Golden Pumpkin and Other Folktales From Sri Lanka