Lot 22

Ancient, Archaic Series, Punch Marked Coinage, attributed to Magadha Janapada, Silver Karshapana, 3.40 gms, 21.11 x 23.08 mm, transition Series 0 to I, Obv: Sun, six armed symbol, elephant and bow with arrow, Rev: Bow and arrow as a banker mark, This is an extremely rare 4 symbol Karshapana weight standard coin of Magadha. These are earliest phase coins of GH Series - I. These were found in Golakpur hoard. Direct progression of latest phase of 4 symbol vimashatika coins to karshapana weight standard. It is said that capital of Magadha was shifted from Rajgriha to Pataliputra by Ajatshatru (son of Bimbisara). So these were probably issued during his reign (i.e. when the capital got shifted, because Golakhpur is in Patna, where all earlier issues of Series-0 have been found in Rajgriha or adjoining areas viz. Gaya)., Unlisted in Rajgor, but listed in Gupta Hardaker catelogue - page 102, very fine, extremely rare.