Ancient India – Eran Vidisha Region (Malwa) c. 2nd Century BCE Copper Karshapana Coin a Superb Specimen With a Lovely Strike

Ancient India, Region: Eran–Vidisha (Malwa), Period: c. 2nd Century BCE, Denomination: ¼ Karshapana, Metal: Copper, Weight: 2.36 grams, Diameter: 18.43 mm (square), Reference: Pieper #899 (2021 Edition), About Extremely Fine. Rare.

Obverse: Five punch marks: lotus, indradhvaja-in-railing, Ujjain symbol, river with fish, and railed tree.

Reverse: Blank.

The copper ¼ Karshapana from the Eran–Vidisha region represents an important phase of early Indian punch-marked coinage in ancient Malwa during the 2nd century BCE. Unlike later die-struck coins, these pieces were created using multiple individual punches, each symbol carrying cultural, political, or religious significance. The prominent lotus reflects purity and auspiciousness, while the Ujjain symbol connects the coin to one of the most influential urban and trade centers of ancient India. Other motifs such as the indradhvaja, river with fish, and railed tree further emphasize fertility, sacred geography, and ritual symbolism. The blank reverse is typical of such issues. Coins from Eran–Vidisha are particularly valued for their distinctive fabric and regional identity, making them highly desirable among collectors of early Indian numismatics.