Item number: A137
Year: AD 1293-1527
Material: gold
Size: 11.5 x 11. 5 mm / thick: 1.0 ~1.6 mm
Weight: 2.45 g
Provenance: Spink 2023
This specimen is a 1 massa gold coin issued by the Majapahit Empire in Java, Indonesia.
The obverse of this gold coin features Sanskrit inscriptions, while the reverse depicts the image of a sandalwood flower.
The Majapahit Empire was a powerful empire located on the island of Java, Indonesia, which flourished between AD 1293 and AD 1500. At its zenith, it possessed vast territorial domains. In AD 1289, Kertanegara, the king of Singhasari kingdom, displayed disrespect towards envoys of Kublai Khan, prompting retaliatory action from the Mongol Empire. However, Kertanegara was assassinated by Jayakatwang, a rebel leader. Taking advantage of the situation, Raden Wijaya (later King Kertarajasa), Kertanegara’s son-in-law, rose to power, expelled the Mongols, and relocated the capital to Majapahit.
The pinnacle of the Majapahit Empire began in the year AD 1350 when Hayam Wuruk ascended to the throne. His reign is regarded as the most splendid period in Javanese history. Employing various measures to consolidate his rule, he engaged in nationwide tours to solidify vassal relationships, confirm land rights, and collect tributes. He also displayed royal authority in religious and fiscal matters to strengthen the government’s power. The core territories of the empire were likely broader than those of his predecessors.
The Nagarakretagama, a poem composed by Prapanca, showcases the empire’s splendor, resembling more of a religious worship portrayal than a chronicle. This poem affirms Hayam Wuruk’s divine attributes without excessively exaggerating his authority. Although the Majapahit Empire dissolved in the early 16th century, its influence persists to this day.
“Massa” and “Rattis” are both ancient Indian units of measurement, particularly used for weighing objects.
Massa: It is a unit of mass or weight, approximately equal to 2.4 kilograms. Its precise equivalent value in modern metric or imperial units may vary depending on historical periods and regional differences. It is typically considered a small unit of weight.
Rattis: A unit of mass commonly used in ancient India, particularly for measuring the weight of gemstones. Initially based on the standard weight of a seed of the jequirity bean, it is approximately equal to 0.12 kilograms. It is smaller than Massa and primarily employed in gemstone measurement. The precise conversion to modern units may vary.
These units were utilized across various contexts, including trade, commerce, and jewellery manufacturing, where precision in weight measurement was crucial. While they may not be commonly used in the modern era of the 21st centuries, their historical significance in Indian culture and commerce remains noteworthy.
Piloncito Coins:
There is a debate within the academic community regarding the definition of “Piloncito” despite the similarity of this type of coin to those unearthed in the Philippines. Some scholars argue from a broad perspective, asserting that the type and era of these coins align with the description of Piloncito. Conversely, another faction of scholars adopts a narrow definition, stipulating that only coins unearthed in the Philippines and bearing specific characters qualify as Piloncito.
