Extremely Rare 1 Karshapana Silver Punch Marked Mauryan Empire Coin | India’s First Coin of Chandragupt Maurya | Ancient India Magadh Dynasty Collectible Coins # A252

Rare silver punch marked Karshapana of ancient India, struck on an irregular square flan in the style of the Magadha and Mauryan series. The obverse retains traces of several small punches, including what appear to be a sun or radiate symbol and a hill or arrow type device, while the reverse is largely plain with only faint marks and old surface toning.

• Denomination: Karshapana (punch marked coinage)
• Period: Ancient India, Magadha Janapada to Mauryan era
• Metal: Silver, hand struck square flan
• Size: approximately 20.3 mm across the widest point
• Mint: not identifiable; punch marked issues carry no mint mark
• Condition: Fair, heavily circulated with soft, partly off flan punches

The images show the actual coin the buyer will receive.

Step back to the dawn of Indian currency with this extraordinary silver Karshapana, a foundational artifact from the legendary Mauryan Empire. Struck on a distinctive, irregular square flan during the height of the ancient Magadh Dynasty, this hand-formed silver piece represents India’s earliest official coinage, famously circulating during the era of Emperor Chandragupta Maurya. As a classic punch-marked issue, it carries no traditional mint mark; instead, its obverse bears fascinating remnants of ancient civic and imperial symbols, including traces of the iconic sun and six-arm devices. While the exact mint remains lost to antiquity, the coin tells a profound story of early South Asian trade, governance, and metallurgy. Graded in Fine, heavily circulated condition, the coin displays natural, deep surface toning and softened, partly off-flan punches that only amplify its genuine antiquity and tactile historical charm. Delivered entirely uncertified to let its raw history speak for itself, this rare antiquity is an essential centerpiece for advanced numismatists and historians eager to hold a tangible piece of ancient imperial India.