Government of Goa’s Department of Archaeology in collaboration with History discipline, D. D. Kosambi School of Social Sciences and Behavioural Studies (DDKSSSBS), Goa University; organised a one-day workshop on Analysis and Conservation/ Preservation of Coins on 14th January 2025.
The workshop was inaugurated by Subhash Phal Dessai, Minister of Archaeology, in the presence of Dr. Nilesh B. Fal Dessai, Director, Department of Archaeology, Vishnu Shridhar Joshi, Dr. Sachin Josh, Deccan College Pune, & Prof. Ganesha Somayaji, Dean, DDKSSSBS, Dr. Balaji S. Shenvi, Archivist Publication, Department of Archaeology and Deepika Gaonkar, Exploration Officer, Department of Archaeology. The workshop aims to educate students and faculty on the importance of ‘Coin discoveries, Analysis of Coins’ and its conservation.
The inaugural function commenced with a welcome address by Dr. Nilesh B. Fal Dessai, Director of Department Archaeology, Government of Goa. In his welcome address, he said that on 8th November 2023, Vishnu Shridhar Joshi of Nanoda, Sattari, Goa, handed over a hoard of 832 copper coins to the Department of Archaeology. These coins were discovered in his property.
This workshop is a culmination of contribution of coins handed over to the Department of Archaeology by Vishnu Shridhar Joshi. His contribution is of immense help to the academicians, researchers and general public as it will help in reconstructing the history of the Portuguese period, to which these coins belong. He said, study of coins in archaeological studies (numismatic) plays a significant role along with materials finding. Under this branch of study, coins are studied/ analysed on the basis of various aspects such as shape of coin, materials, thickness, weight, design.
The importance of this workshop is to i) to educate students on the importance of coins found in the context and out of context of archaeological sites ii) importance of such discoveries iii) give hands on experience to students and faculty on analysis of coins and its conservation.
Dr. Sachin Joshi, Chemical Assistant at Deccan College, Post Graduate Research Institute, Pune; gave an introduction to the workshop. He provided valuable insights into the role of coins in archaeological studies, their historical significance and method of analysis and conservation. He explained that the coin conservation and cleaning is a technical process and handling of coins for cleaning requires special expertise as the coins needs to be cleaned according to their deterioration level.
Subhash Phal Dessai delivered a comprehensive speech on the importance of coins discoveries in understanding ancient economics, politics and societies and cultures. He said, they can also help identify previously unknown rulers. He also highlighted significant contribution by Vishnu Shridhar Joshi from Nanoda, Sattari Goa.
He added that coins are crucial in reconstructing the chronology of emperors and kingdoms. Many coins bear the names and dates of rulers, offering a historical record where written sources may be absent. They provide evidence of dynasties, rulers’ actions, and their political ideologies. Coins discovered far from their place of origin provide key data about the mobility, trade, and efficiency of ancient human societies. They reveal trade relationships between regions and even countries, shedding light on the commercial networks of the past. Coins are also important indicators of conflict and wars.
Some rulers issued coins with countermarks on those of their predecessors, signalling their victories. Such coins contribute to our understanding of the political history of the region. Furthermore, coins offer insights into economic conditions. A higher quantity of gold and silver coins compared to copper or alloyed coins may indicate a prosperous period. The purity of the metal in the coins can reflect the kingdom’s economic health. During difficult times, gold and silver coins are often mixed with other metals, highlighting the economic challenges faced by the rulers. These factors all help form a clearer picture of the economic history of a kingdom.
The Minister stressed on the importance of the workshop “To give hands on experience on analysing coins and its conservation”.
During the inaugural of the workshop, Vishnu Shridhar Joshi was felicitated at the hands of Subhash Phal Dessai, for handing over 832 copper coins to the Department of Archaeology. The Minister appreciated his efforts towards Conservation and Preservation of Archaeological Heritage.
Vishnu Shridhar Joshi expressed happiness over the process of handling the coins by the Department of Archaeology and said that these coins be used for research in the field of Archaeology.
Sr. Prof. Ganesha Somayaji, Dean D. D. Kosambi School of Social Sciences and Behavioural Studies concluded with vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all the dignitaries and participants for their contribution to the success of the event.
The workshop witnessed cleaning of some coins with analysis and inputs on its conservation. The department has to carry out further study and research on the coins. Certificates were given to all the participants during the Valedictory function in the evening on the same day.
