1858.] Coin Collections lost during the rebellion. 169 



Coin Collections lost during the rebellion. — By 

 George H. Freeling, Esq., B. C. S. 



It is in consequence of the great stress laid by all who have 

 written on Indian Numismatics including Wilson, Cunningham and 

 Thomas, on the locality in which the coins of any race or dynasty 

 are found, that I am induced to notice the dispersion of my own col- 

 lection at Allahabad during the late troubles there. 



In many cases, and particularly as regards the later Bactrian or 

 Indo Greek reigns, the principal' or only means we have of deter- 

 mining the area over which the sovereigns by whom they were 

 struck held sway are the coins themselves and the places of dis- 

 covering them, and the fact of many of one series being procured 

 far away from their usual seat may lead into error those who found 

 theories on and argue from such a basis. 



The collection in question was, as noticed by Mr. Thomas in his 

 paper on Gupta coins published in the Journal in 1856, chiefly 

 made at Hamirpore in Bundlecund, and was naturally in great 

 measure formed of specimens obtained in the Doab, the appearance 

 of which at Allahabad or in its neighbourhood would excite no sur- 

 prize, aud call for no remark. But it had been enriched by many 

 contributions from the westward, particularly Muttra, and the pur- 

 chase of a small collection made at Peshawur and another belonging: 

 to the late General Palmer had added a large quantity of those 

 usually termed Bactrian, and Indo-Scythic, the latter especially 

 being very numerous and finely preserved, many too with the origi- 

 nal rust on them, which of itself might be sufficient to lead a pur- 

 chaser to believe they had lately been dug up in the vicinity. 



There were likewise many of the rarer species of those commonly 

 called the Bull-and-horseman, denominated by Mr. Thomas the 

 "coins of the kings of Cabul," and chiefly procurable in the Punjab, 

 or even further north. Sassanian and Cashmere coins with many 

 others from the same direction were included in the loss. 



I would also notice at the same time that a second cabinet has 

 been dispersed during the mutinies, that of Lady Sale ; it was in 

 the possession of Mrs. Holmes, who with her husband was murdered 

 by the Irregulars at Segoulie ; they then plundered her property, 

 among which were the coins in question. Never having been 

 fortunate enough to see the collection myself, I cannot give any 

 specification of its contents which, however, were, I believe, rather 

 rare and choice than numerous ; all, save a few copper pieces, have 

 now disappeared. 



