Unique silver karshapana, Nandas (c.345-323 BC), Magadha, India (G/H 423var)

Five punch-marked symbols (see below) / Blank. Oval flat silver planchet, 20mmx17mm, 3.50 grams. Gupta/Hardaker ISPC series IVd #423var.

This coin has a different second symbol - this type was published (for in the original catalogue and in the second edition) with a second symbol containing tourine symbols (#423, rated XR in both editions). This coin clearly shows empty ovals within the second symbols. As such, it is completely unpublished at this time. Very interesting and unique.

These silver coins with various punchmarks are the earliest silver Indian coins. Magadha was an ancient kingdom in India, mentioned in both the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. It was also one of the four main kingdoms of India at the time of Buddha, having risen to power during the reigns of Bimbisara (c. 544-491 BCE)and his son Ajatashatru (c. 491-460 BCE). The core of the kingdom was that portion of Bihar lying south of the Ganges, with its capital atRajagriha (modern Rajgir). Magadha expanded to include most of Biharand parts of Bengal with the conquest of Anga, and then expanded up the Ganges valley annexing Kosala and Kashi.