Early studies about Pallava coins were made by Walter Elliot.
The Pallava coins were minted in lead, copper and bronze.
The basic symbols in Pallava coins are bull and lion.
Apart from bull and lion, symbols such as the swastika, chakra, flag, twin-masted ship, elephant, and crescent were also seen in Pallava coins.
The ship design found on coins is believed to represent the successful invasion and control of the rich eastern seaport of Kaviripaddinam.