© Jay Dixit (CC BY-NC)
© Jay Dixit (CC BY-NC)
Silver Karshapana Chandragupta Maurya 320 BC - 270 BC
| Silver | - | - |
| Issuer | Mauryan Empire (India (ancient)) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Chandragupta Maurya (चन्द्रगुप्तमौर्य) (321 BC - 298 BC) Bindusara (बिन्दुसार) (298 BC - 273 BC) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 320 BC - 270 BC |
| Value | 1 Karshapana |
| Currency | Karshapana (322 BC to 185 BC) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Size | 14 × 11 mm |
| Shape | Rectangular (irregular) |
| Technique | (Punchmarked) |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-10 |
| Numista | N#428496 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 97% |
Reverse
Blank.
Edge
Plain
Comment
According to Gupta and Hardaker, the Series Va coins are issues of the Mauryan empire in its early days. They date these coins to c. 320-270 BCE, the time of Chandragupta Maurya and Bindusara.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Silver Karshapana coin is that it was used as a form of currency during the Mauryan Empire, which was the first Indian empire to issue coins. The coin was made of silver and had a standardized weight and purity, which made it a reliable medium of exchange. This coin was also used for trade and commerce, and its use spread beyond India to other parts of Asia and the Mediterranean.
