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1 Karshapana
| Issuer | Mauryan Empire |
|---|---|
| Year | 270 BC - 200 BC |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | Log in to see details |
| Currency | Log in to see details |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | Log in to see details |
| Diameter | Log in to see details |
| Thickness | Log in to see details |
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| Technique | Log in to see details |
| Orientation | Log in to see details |
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| In circulation to | Log in to see details |
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| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Log in to see details |
| Obverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Reverse description | Log in to see details |
| Reverse script | Log in to see details |
| Reverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Edge | Plain |
| Mint | Log in to see details |
| Mintage | ND (270 BC - 200 BC) |
| Additional information |
Karshapanas were not struck in the conventional sense — they were punch-marked, with each symbol applied by a separate die in sequence, which is why alignment varies so dramatically across specimens. The Mauryan imperial issues are distinguished from earlier janapada punchmarks by the standardization of weight, enforced through the Arthashastra's remarkably detailed instructions on the state assay office, the rupadarshakas, who were empowered to reject underweight or debased pieces.
Chandragupta Maurya's consolidation of the Ganges plain in the late 4th century BC created the administrative pressure that drove that standardization.