World’s Smallest Gold Coin – Bele of Vijayanagara
This clear-box presentation features a genuine gold bele, one of the smallest gold coins ever struck, issued by the Vijayanagara Empire in South India (14th–16th centuries AD).
Historical Significance:
The Vijayanagara Empire (1336–1646) was one of the great powers of medieval India, renowned for its wealth, advanced administration, flourishing trade, and vibrant culture. Gold coinage was central to its economy, facilitating commerce that stretched from the Indian Ocean world to Persia and beyond.
The bele was among the tiniest of these coins—often weighing less than half a gram—yet it represented real purchasing power in its time. Despite its minute size, it was meticulously crafted, typically featuring stylized depictions of Hindu deities, animals, or sacred symbols, reflecting the deeply religious character of the empire.
This extraordinary piece embodies the paradox of power in smallness: a coin so light it can rest on a fingertip, yet rich with history, culture, and meaning. The bele is a remarkable survival from one of India’s most significant empires and a true numismatic curiosity—the world’s smallest gold coin.
World’s Smallest Gold Coin – Bele of Vijayanagara
This clear-box presentation features a genuine gold bele, one of the smallest gold coins ever struck, issued by the Vijayanagara Empire in South India (14th–16th centuries AD).
Historical Significance:
The Vijayanagara Empire (1336–1646) was one of the great powers of medieval India, renowned for its wealth, advanced administration, flourishing trade, and vibrant culture. Gold coinage was central to its economy, facilitating commerce that stretched from the Indian Ocean world to Persia and beyond.
The bele was among the tiniest of these coins—often weighing less than half a gram—yet it represented real purchasing power in its time. Despite its minute size, it was meticulously crafted, typically featuring stylized depictions of Hindu deities, animals, or sacred symbols, reflecting the deeply religious character of the empire.
This extraordinary piece embodies the paradox of power in smallness: a coin so light it can rest on a fingertip, yet rich with history, culture, and meaning. The bele is a remarkable survival from one of India’s most significant empires and a true numismatic curiosity—the world’s smallest gold coin.
