Magadha Janapada – Mauryan Empire Silver Karshapana, Paduka Shape Rare Ancient Silver Punch-Marked Coin

Obverse: Multiple punch marks showing varied symbols such as the Sun, animals (bull, elephant, rabbit), human figures, trees, flowers, and geometric motifs; symbol combinations differ on each coin.

Reverse: Usually blank or with a single small banker’s or verification mark added during circulation.

Coinage Note: Punch-marked coinage emerged in ancient India around the sixth century BCE, during the age of the Mahajanapadas, and continued extensively under the Mauryan Empire. Silver Karshapanas were manufactured by cutting silver sheets into individual pieces, adjusting their weight, and striking separate symbols onto the metal with punches rather than using a single engraved die. Common motifs included the sun, six-armed symbols, geometric designs, animals, and trees, although their precise meanings are not always certain. These coins generally lacked royal portraits and written inscriptions. Their irregular shapes were acceptable because weight and recognised punch marks were more important than uniform appearance. Coins were likely carried in small bags or pouches for everyday trade and payments. This specimen measures 22 × 11 mm and resembles an ancient wooden sandal, or Paduka, in shape; this is a descriptive comparison, not an established ancient coin classification.