Punch Marked Coin, Magadha Janapada (600-350 BC), Silver 1/2 Vimshatika, Archaic period, Series 0, Obv: four punch marks consisting of a large six-armed symbol in the center, the sun (solar symbol), a fish, a spoked wheel, and other 5 important ancillary symbols around the field, Rev: uniface, 2.7g, 19.4mm, (Unlisted & Unpublished), choice very fine, Exceedingly Rare.

Note: The half Vimshatika denomination is unpublished & unlisted in any major numismatic references. It is the first time we are offering this fractional denomination of this weight standard which is centrally struck with the usual Magadha symbols on a fairly large flan. It is an interesting specimen for the series.

A brief political history of the Magadha Janapada beginning from Bimbisara to Ashoka is mentioned in the "Mahavamsha", an ancient Buddhist chronicle. Its expansion began with the reign of Bimbisara and grew into one of the most prosperous mahajanapadas. Its capital Pataliputra is the present-day city of Patna in Bihar. The location of this mahajanapada was bounded by important rivers such as the Ganga, Son, Champa & Vindhyan which facilitated the creation of great wealth by trade and other means. Coins from this series are the most popular among collectors. Its existence of approximately 200-250 years reflects well through its coinage.

This lot is a part of an advanced collection of different unlisted, unpublished & important coins from Magadha Janapada offered in this sale.

Silver Two Annas Coin of Victoria Empress of Calcutta M ...

Silver Two Annas Coin of King Edward VII of Calcutta Mi ...

Silver Half Rupee Coin of Victoria Empress of Calcutta ...

Copper One Quarter Anna of King George V of Calcutta Mi ...