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Ancient India Magadha Empire Silver Karshapana – 5th–2nd Century BC – Punch-Marked Coin

Ancient India Magadha Empire Silver Karshapana – 5th–2nd Century BC – Punch-Marked Coin

$95.00
SKU:
FR-318
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Ancient India Magadha Empire Silver Karshapana – 5th–2nd Century BC – Punch-Marked Coin

Magadha Empire Silver Karshapana – Ancient Indian Punch-Marked Coin

Own a remarkable piece of early Indian monetary history with this Silver Karshapana (Punch-Marked Coin) of the Magadha Empire, dating from approximately the 5th–2nd century BC. Struck more than 2,200 years ago, this ancient silver coin represents one of the earliest forms of organized coinage in the Indian subcontinent.

The Magadha Empire was one of the most powerful kingdoms of ancient India and became the foundation for later imperial powers including the Nanda, Maurya, and Gupta Empires. These early punch-marked coins circulated throughout northern India and played an important role in facilitating trade and commerce during the rise of India's great civilizations.

This example measures 19 x 14 mm and weighs 2.91 grams, displaying multiple ancient punch marks applied individually by hand. The irregular shape and overlapping symbols are characteristic of early Indian silver Karshapanas, where each coin was created by cutting silver pieces to weight and applying official punches rather than striking with traditional dies.

Coin Specifications

  • Culture: Ancient India
  • Empire: Magadha Empire
  • Date: Approximately 5th–2nd Century BC
  • Denomination: Silver Karshapana (Kārṣāpaṇa)
  • Metal: Silver
  • Weight: 2.91 grams
  • Size: 19 x 14 mm
  • Reference: Gupta & Hardaker Series IV
  • Type: Punch-Marked Coin
  • Condition: Ancient circulated

Design Details

Obverse:

  • Multiple official punch marks
  • Abstract symbols applied individually
  • Typical Magadhan punch-marked design elements

Reverse:

  • Additional punch marks and ancient bankers' marks
  • Evidence of circulation and historical use

Common symbols found on Magadha punch-marked coins include:

  • Solar symbols
  • Six-armed symbols
  • Geometric designs
  • Arches and hills
  • Trees and plants
  • Animals and other symbolic motifs

Historical Background

The Magadha Empire was the dominant power of ancient India and controlled a strategically important region in the fertile Ganges River valley. Its wealth came from productive agriculture, control of important trade routes, abundant natural resources, and strong military organization.

Magadha later became the heartland of some of India's greatest dynasties. The Mauryan Empire, founded by Chandragupta Maurya, expanded from Magadha and eventually created one of the largest empires in Indian history under Ashoka the Great.

Punch-marked coins are among the earliest known Indian coinage. Unlike modern coins produced from engraved dies, these pieces were manufactured by cutting silver to a standard weight and applying individual punches representing official authorities. Their irregular shapes, overlapping symbols, and ancient bankers' marks provide a direct connection to early economic history.

Why Collect This Coin?

  • Over 2,200 years old
  • Authentic ancient Indian silver coinage
  • Issued during the rise of the Magadha Empire
  • Early example of organized monetary history
  • Features ancient official punch marks and bankers' marks
  • Excellent addition to:
    • Ancient India collections
    • Buddhist-era collections
    • World ancient coin collections
    • Early silver coin collections
!