Lot 11

Ancient, Archaic Series, Punch Marked Coinage, attributed to Vatsa Mahajanapada (c. 500-410 BC), Silver Karshapana, 3.50 gms, 23.39 x 26.90 mm, ABCC type, Obv: Elephant, fish under scorpion and twice symbol of bird holding small fish in mouth, Uniface,Vatsa was among the 4 great janapadas of the times of Buddha.  Its areas comprised around modern Prayagraj / Kaushambi districts and its capital was Kaushambi at the banks of Yamuna river and was visited by Lord Buddha, more than once.  It is said that a line of Kurus migrated from Hastinapur to Kaushambi in early centuries of BC and issued silver punchmarked coins.  Present coin represents Karshapana weight standard and was issued during the reign of Udayana, one of the most famous kings of this janapada.  Udayana is said to be well versed in the art of taming elephant and famously eloped with princess Vasavadutta, daughter of king Pradyot of Kaushambi.  Udayana is also known as Vaidehiputra suggesting that his mother was a princess of Videha.  A fish in the beak of bird (shown twice on this coin) is an important symbol, showing finesse in die execution and thus a distinct progression of predominantly geometric type designs. Rajgor Series # 78, very fine, very rare.