Lot 10

Ancient, Archaic punch mark series from middle Ganga valley (5th Century BC), Silver Half Vimshatika, 2.09 gms, 13.21 x 15.38 mm, Obv. A flower pattern, Rev. Two banker’s marks, Sharad Sharma: Usually found in North-Western parts of Central Uttar Pradesh, coins of this series are based on Vimashatika weight standard and are quite archaic in fabric, Attribution of these coins has been variously from Malla Janapada to the Pauravas of Kaushambi, Both of these janapadas were much smaller but prominent ruling entities during the times of Buddha, The coin therefore, predates most of the known series of silver punch marked coins and is one of the earliest numismatic issues of the land, Hardaker pp. 109 -113, Rajgor Series 72, pp. 170, plate 14 -15, Mitchiner pp.810, Type – a, fine to very fine, rare.