Coin of Gautamiputra Satakarni of Satavahana

Gautamiputra Satakarni also known as Shalivahana (c. 78–102 CE) was the twenty-third ruler of the Satavahana Empire.

One of the most interesting aspects of the Satavahana portrait coins is that the kings identify based on their matrilineal line.

The legend on our coin reads: Rano Gotamiputasa Siri Yana Satakanisa means "Satakarni son of Gautami" The king identifies his mother, not his father. There are still some communities in India that follow the matrilineal line.

Obv: King in profile. Prakrit legend "Rano Gotamiputasa Siri Yana Satakarnisa": "In the reign of Gautamiputra Sri Yana Satakarni"

Rev: Hill with Satavahana symbol, sun and moon. Dravidian legend "Arahanaku gotami putaku Hiru Yana Hatakanaku".