Lot 20

Ancient, Archaic Punch Marked Coinage from middle Ganga Valley (c. 5th Century BC), Silver Unit, 1.69 gms, 11.93 mm, Obverse: A flower pattern, Reverse: Banker 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 MallaJanapada to the Pauravas of Kaushambi, 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, fine to very fine, rare.