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1 Karshapana - Kosala Janapada
| Issuer | Kosala Kingdom |
|---|---|
| Year | 450 BC - 350 BC |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | 1 Karshapana |
| Currency | Log in to see details |
| Composition | Log in to see details |
| Weight | Log in to see details |
| Diameter | Log in to see details |
| Thickness | Log in to see details |
| Shape | Log in to see details |
| Technique | Log in to see details |
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| Engraver(s) | Log in to see details |
| In circulation to | Log in to see details |
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| Obverse description | Irregular rectangular silver flan bearing multiple punch-marked symbols applied by individual dies. The obverse displays two prominent symbols: a large stylized animal figure, possibly a bovine or elephant, rendered in a bold, archaic punch technique occupying the left and central field, accompanied by a circular or spiral symbol to the right. The punches are deeply impressed into the silver surface, characteristic of Janapada-period coinage from the Gangetic plain. The flan edges are irregular and uneven, consistent with hand-cut and hammer-struck production methods of the period. |
|---|---|
| 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 |
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| Additional information |
The Kosala janapada punched-mark series predates any centralized mint authority in the subcontinent — these were produced by a system of punch application, each mark struck independently by merchants, guilds, or state officials whose identities remain largely unresolved. Kosala itself was one of the sixteen mahajanapadas and a major political rival of Magadha during this period, before being absorbed by it sometime in the 4th century BC.
The ACR reference places this among the lighter-weight karshapana fractions documented by Shailendra Bhandare and others working the punch-mark series. At 2.72g, it sits at roughly half the standard karshapana weight, consistent with known Kosala fractional issues from this horizon.