Vijayanagara Empire | Gold Bele
History of the Artifact
This solid gold coin, known as a bele (often called a pagoda in later numismatic literature), was issued by the Vijayanagara Empire between the 14th and 17th centuries, with production centred on the imperial capital at Hampi. Struck to an extraordinarily small and precise weight standard, the bele is widely regarded as the smallest gold coin ever regularly issued.
The obverse typically depicts Varaha, the boar avatar of Vishnu associated with royal protection and cosmic order, while the reverse shows a standing deity—most often Vishnu—in a compact, highly stylised form adapted to the coin’s minute size. Vijayanagara deliberately preserved conservative designs across reigns, reinforcing religious legitimacy and dynastic continuity rather than advertising individual rulers. Despite their tiny size, these gold beles played an important role in temple endowments, state payments, and long-distance trade across the Indian Ocean. Their consistent gold content, stable weight, and recognisable imagery made them trusted instruments of exchange for centuries, and today they remain a cornerstone of medieval South Indian numismatics.
How do I know these are original Mughal Empire Coins?
Ancient Artifacts guarantees the Authenticity of items sold through a three layer system of protection:
- Ancient Artifacts exclusively sources artifacts from trusted and reputable antique distributors, many of whom have been selling Artifacts for decades.
- Next, the Artifact is inspected by an expert team member, who is professionally trained in counterfeit detection After the artifact passes inspection, the Certificate of Authenticity is signed and the Artifact is packaged.
- Finally, Ancient Artifacts gives an additional layer of protection by promising a full refund with no questions asked, in the extremely unlikely event that a counterfeit slips through our vetting process.
What will my artifact look like?
The coin you will receive will be of very similar size and quality as the ones shown in the pictures. The display case included is openable so that you may easily handle and closely observe the artifact.
Your order will include:
- One authentic Mughal Empire silver Rupee
- Elegant protective case for preservation and display of your artifact
- Certificate of Authenticity
Ancient Artifacts relics are guaranteed authentic and have a 100% money back policy. Read more about our Mission and Promise for authenticity.
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Vijayanagara Empire | Gold Bele
History of the Artifact
This solid gold coin, known as a bele (often called a pagoda in later numismatic literature), was issued by the Vijayanagara Empire between the 14th and 17th centuries, with production centred on the imperial capital at Hampi. Struck to an extraordinarily small and precise weight standard, the bele is widely regarded as the smallest gold coin ever regularly issued.
The obverse typically depicts Varaha, the boar avatar of Vishnu associated with royal protection and cosmic order, while the reverse shows a standing deity—most often Vishnu—in a compact, highly stylised form adapted to the coin’s minute size. Vijayanagara deliberately preserved conservative designs across reigns, reinforcing religious legitimacy and dynastic continuity rather than advertising individual rulers. Despite their tiny size, these gold beles played an important role in temple endowments, state payments, and long-distance trade across the Indian Ocean. Their consistent gold content, stable weight, and recognisable imagery made them trusted instruments of exchange for centuries, and today they remain a cornerstone of medieval South Indian numismatics.
How do I know these are original Mughal Empire Coins?
Ancient Artifacts guarantees the Authenticity of items sold through a three layer system of protection:
- Ancient Artifacts exclusively sources artifacts from trusted and reputable antique distributors, many of whom have been selling Artifacts for decades.
- Next, the Artifact is inspected by an expert team member, who is professionally trained in counterfeit detection After the artifact passes inspection, the Certificate of Authenticity is signed and the Artifact is packaged.
- Finally, Ancient Artifacts gives an additional layer of protection by promising a full refund with no questions asked, in the extremely unlikely event that a counterfeit slips through our vetting process.
What will my artifact look like?
The coin you will receive will be of very similar size and quality as the ones shown in the pictures. The display case included is openable so that you may easily handle and closely observe the artifact.
Your order will include:
- One authentic Mughal Empire silver Rupee
- Elegant protective case for preservation and display of your artifact
- Certificate of Authenticity
Ancient Artifacts relics are guaranteed authentic and have a 100% money back policy. Read more about our Mission and Promise for authenticity.
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Description
History of the Artifact
This solid gold coin, known as a bele (often called a pagoda in later numismatic literature), was issued by the Vijayanagara Empire between the 14th and 17th centuries, with production centred on the imperial capital at Hampi. Struck to an extraordinarily small and precise weight standard, the bele is widely regarded as the smallest gold coin ever regularly issued.
The obverse typically depicts Varaha, the boar avatar of Vishnu associated with royal protection and cosmic order, while the reverse shows a standing deity—most often Vishnu—in a compact, highly stylised form adapted to the coin’s minute size. Vijayanagara deliberately preserved conservative designs across reigns, reinforcing religious legitimacy and dynastic continuity rather than advertising individual rulers. Despite their tiny size, these gold beles played an important role in temple endowments, state payments, and long-distance trade across the Indian Ocean. Their consistent gold content, stable weight, and recognisable imagery made them trusted instruments of exchange for centuries, and today they remain a cornerstone of medieval South Indian numismatics.
How do I know these are original Mughal Empire Coins?
Ancient Artifacts guarantees the Authenticity of items sold through a three layer system of protection:
- Ancient Artifacts exclusively sources artifacts from trusted and reputable antique distributors, many of whom have been selling Artifacts for decades.
- Next, the Artifact is inspected by an expert team member, who is professionally trained in counterfeit detection After the artifact passes inspection, the Certificate of Authenticity is signed and the Artifact is packaged.
- Finally, Ancient Artifacts gives an additional layer of protection by promising a full refund with no questions asked, in the extremely unlikely event that a counterfeit slips through our vetting process.
What will my artifact look like?
The coin you will receive will be of very similar size and quality as the ones shown in the pictures. The display case included is openable so that you may easily handle and closely observe the artifact.
Your order will include:
- One authentic Mughal Empire silver Rupee
- Elegant protective case for preservation and display of your artifact
- Certificate of Authenticity
Ancient Artifacts relics are guaranteed authentic and have a 100% money back policy. Read more about our Mission and Promise for authenticity.
