1 Karshapana

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.