Five punch-mark symbols (see below) / A single punch-mark (peacock on a three-arched hill). Irregular flat silver planchet, 13x13mm, 3.42 grams. Pataliputra mint. Gupta/Hardaker ISPC VI IV D 24 (#568); MACW 4182. SKU X156-49675

The Mauryan Empire was an geographically extensive ancient Indian Iron Age historical power in South Asia based in Magadha, having been founded by Chandragupta Maurya in 322 BCE, and existing in loose-knit fashion until 185 BCE. The Empire was immense, covering much of India and some of the neighboring states. It declined for about 50 years after Ashoka's rule, and dissolved in 185 BCE with the assassination of Brihadratha by Pushyamitra Shunga and foundation of the Shunga Empire in Magadha.