Srivijaya Sumatra Silver Masa Coin (1100–1300 AD) – Ancient Indonesian Silver – Sandalwood Flower Type
Ancient Srivijaya Silver Masa – Sumatra, Indonesia (1100–1300 AD)
Own an authentic piece of Southeast Asian history with this Silver Masa of the Srivijaya Empire, struck between 1100 and 1300 AD during one of the region's greatest maritime civilizations. These compact yet remarkably thick silver coins are among the earliest native coinage of Indonesia, representing the thriving commerce and cultural influence of the Srivijaya Kingdom.
The Srivijaya Empire, centered on the island of Sumatra, emerged as one of Asia's most powerful maritime empires, controlling vital trade routes through the Strait of Malacca. By linking merchants from India, China, and the Indonesian archipelago, Srivijaya became one of the medieval world's most prosperous trading powers. Silver Masa coins such as this circulated throughout the empire, facilitating regional and international commerce during its final centuries.
Known to collectors as "Sandalwood Flower" coins, these distinctive issues feature the Nagari letter "Ma" on the obverse, identifying the masa denomination. The reverse displays an incuse square with a beautifully stylized four-petaled sandalwood flower, one of the most recognizable designs in early Indonesian numismatics.
Compact in size but rich in history, these coins are highly sought after by collectors of ancient coins, Asian numismatics, and medieval trade coinage.
Specifications
- Issuer: Srivijaya Empire
- Region: Sumatra (Modern Indonesia)
- Date: 1100–1300 AD
- Denomination: Masa
- Metal: Silver
- Weight: Approximately 1.14 grams
- Diameter: Approximately 12.7 mm
- Reference: HCM #128–131
Obverse
- Nagari script letter "Ma", representing the Masa denomination.
Reverse
- Incuse square enclosing a stylized four-petaled Sandalwood flower (Santalum) design.
Historical Significance
The Srivijaya Empire flourished from the 7th through the 13th century, becoming one of Southeast Asia's most influential maritime kingdoms. From its capital at Palembang, Sumatra, it controlled strategic sea lanes connecting the Indian Ocean with the South China Sea, collecting duties on merchant vessels and fostering international trade.
Srivijaya was also a renowned center of Mahayana Buddhism, attracting scholars and pilgrims from across Asia. Its prosperity was built upon naval strength, commercial diplomacy, and control of regional trade networks. Although weakened following the Chola invasion of 1025 AD, Srivijaya remained an important commercial power until it was gradually eclipsed by rising Javanese kingdoms during the late 13th century.
Today, Silver Masa coins stand as enduring reminders of one of Asia's greatest trading empires and are among the earliest surviving coinage produced in the Indonesian archipelago.
Why Collect This Coin?
- Authentic medieval silver coin from the Srivijaya Empire
- Among the earliest native Indonesian coinage
- Struck between 1100–1300 AD
- Historic Sandalwood Flower type
- Compact, thick silver format with distinctive design
- Important artifact of medieval maritime trade
- Excellent addition to ancient, Asian, and world coin collections
