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1 Karshapana - Satakarni
| Issuer | Satavahana Empire |
|---|---|
| Year | 230 BC - 107 AD |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
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| Technique | Cast |
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| Obverse description | Elephant depicted in profile advancing to the right, with trunk raised, rendered in low relief in the characteristic schematic style of Satavahana potin coinage. A Brahmi legend reading 'Sa Ta Ka Ni Sa', attributing the issue to the Satakarni ruler, appears above the elephant in the upper field. The flan is irregular and slightly scyphate, consistent with the cast production method typical of this series. The surfaces display the characteristic mottled patina of potin alloy. |
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| Edge | Plain |
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| Additional information |
The Satavahanas ruled the Deccan for roughly three centuries, and their potin coinage — a base alloy of copper, tin, and lead — reflects a dynasty that controlled overland and coastal trade routes connecting the subcontinent's interior to the Roman world. Pinning individual pieces to specific rulers within the series is notoriously difficult; the attribution to Satakarni covers multiple kings bearing that name or title across several generations.
Mitchiner's reference grouping acknowledges the ambiguity openly.