Mauryan Empire Probably Ashoka the Great Period Silver Punch-Marked Coin Standing Lord Shiva Type 322-185 BCE

Mauryan Empire, Ruler: Ashoka the Great (Probably Attribution), Period: c. 3rd Century BCE, Denomination: AR Karshapana, Composition: Silver, Weight: 2.47 grams, Shape: Square, Dimensions: 14.18 × 14.23 mm (approx.), Technique: Punch-Marked, Obv: Punch marks of the sun, six-armed symbol, three-arched hill with crescent, and Lord Shiva holding a spear; all marks are partly off-flan. Rev: Spindle punch mark, Reference: Mitchiner AC#4234, Gupta & Hardaker GH#566, Numista N#44006, Grade: As per Images, Rarity: Rare Type.

Ashoka, one of the most influential rulers of the Mauryan Empire, reigned during the third century BCE. The grandson of Chandragupta Maurya and son of Bindusara, he expanded the empire before the Kalinga War profoundly influenced his approach to governance. He subsequently promoted Dhamma, non-violence, and moral conduct through inscriptions across the subcontinent. During the Mauryan period, an extensive administrative network and expanding trade routes supported economic activity, while punch-marked silver coins played an important role in commercial transactions across ancient India.

Coinage Note: This rare-type silver Karshapana belongs to the Mauryan Empire, with a probable attribution to the period of Ashoka the Great. Dating broadly to the Mauryan period (c. 322–185 BCE), the coin reflects the distinctive punch-marked monetary tradition of ancient India. The obverse displays several symbols, including the sun, a six-armed symbol, a three-arched hill with crescent, and a figure identified as Lord Shiva holding a spear. Some of these punches are partly off-flan, reflecting the irregular production characteristics of early Indian coinage. The reverse features a spindle-shaped punch mark. Weighing 2.47 grams and measuring approximately 14.18 × 14.23 mm, this square silver Karshapana is referenced in Mitchiner AC#4234, Gupta & Hardaker GH#566, and Numista N#44006.