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1/4 Karshapana - Sunga Dynasty
| Issuer | Shunga Empire |
|---|---|
| Year | 200 BC - 100 BC |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
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| Obverse description | Irregular cast copper flan displaying a group of punch-marked symbols typical of the Shunga period, heavily encrusted with brown-green patina. The field bears a series of raised symbolic devices, likely including a sun symbol or geometric motif, arranged across the flat surface in the customary manner of sub-imperial punch-marked coinage. The flan edges are jagged and uneven, reflecting the crude casting technique employed. Design elements are rendered in low relief and are partially obscured by extensive ancient surface corrosion. No legend or inscription is present, the coin relying entirely on symbolic iconography as the bearer of value and authority. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Log in to see details |
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| Reverse description | The reverse flan, equally irregular and heavily patinated, displays a further arrangement of punch-marked symbolic devices in low relief, consistent with Shunga-period copper coinage as catalogued by Mitchiner. Visible motifs appear to include a central circular or pellet device flanked by additional geometric or floral punches, characteristic of the denominational system of the period. The rough, pitted surface reflects centuries of burial and corrosion, rendering individual symbols difficult to isolate with precision. The field is plain and uninscribed, with no border or legend present. The overall style is consistent with the schematic, non-figural punch-marked tradition of northern Indian sub-imperial coinage of the 2nd century BC. |
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| Mintage | ND (200 BC - 100 BC) |
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