AR karshapana, Annuruddha-Nagadasaka period (c.445-413 BC), Magadha, India (G/H 302)

Five various punchmarks shown above / Blank. 15mmx19mm, 3.05 grams. Gupta and Hadraker III #302.

Rare type.

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 theGanges valley annexing Kosala and Kashi. The list of Ajatashatru's successors to whom this coin is attributed is as follows: Annurudha and Munda - ca.445-437 BC Nagadasaka - ca.437-413 BC More precise attribution of these coins is impossible at this point.