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1 Karshapana - Mahapadma Nanda
| Issuer | Nanda Empire |
|---|---|
| Year | 400 BC |
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| Value | 1 Karshapana |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
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| Obverse description | Obverse bearing multiple independent punch-marked symbols applied at various positions across the flan, including a sun symbol with radiating rays in the upper field, a taurin (bull-head) device, a frog punch mark, and a spindle symbol. The marks are distributed across the broad, irregularly cut silver surface in the characteristic punch-marked coinage tradition of ancient India, each symbol struck individually with a separate die. The flan displays the typical slightly irregular, flattened rectangular form associated with early Indian punchmarked coinage. |
|---|---|
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| Mintage | -400 -329 |
| Additional information |
Mahapadma Nanda founded the dynasty that Greek sources later described as the most powerful force in the Indian subcontinent — powerful enough that Alexander's troops refused to advance further east at the Hyphasis in 326 BC, reportedly on account of the Nanda army's size. These punch-marked pieces predate that standoff by decades and circulated through the Magadha heartland as the empire absorbed rival janapadas one by one. The punching sequence — multiple dies applied in succession — means no two karshapanas from this period are struck identically.