Catalog
1⁄16 Karshappana - Panchala Anonymous
| Issuer | Panchala Kingdom (Janapadas (pre-Mauryan)) |
|---|---|
| Year | 300 BC - 200 BC |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
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|---|---|
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| Reverse description | Plain field bearing a single srivatsa symbol centrally placed, rendered in low relief as an interlaced curvilinear device, an auspicious mark widely employed on early Indian punch-marked and cast coinage of the Janapada and early Mauryan periods. The symbol is the sole decorative element on the reverse, the surrounding field being otherwise unadorned. Surface shows heavy patination consistent with the coin's antiquity, with no legend, inscription, or secondary punch marks present. |
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| Mintage | ND (300 BC - 200 BC) |
| Additional information |
The Panchala janapada occupied the Gangetic plain between the Himalayas and the Chambal, a region dense enough in trade activity to require fractional copper denominations well below a single karshapana. At 1/16th, this piece represents the smallest practical unit of account in a system where punch-marked silver handled larger transactions and copper absorbed the daily friction of market exchange.