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Copper Karshapana
| Issuer | Uncertain Indian mint |
|---|---|
| Year | 500 BC - 200 BC |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | Log in to see details |
| Currency | Log in to see details |
| Composition | Copper |
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| Diameter | Log in to see details |
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| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
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| Reverse description | The reverse presents a comparatively plain, slightly granular copper surface with minimal working, consistent with the typical unfinished reverse treatment of punch-marked coinage of this period. A single punch-marked symbol is visible near the centre of the field, appearing as a crescent or lunate motif accompanied by a small subsidiary device, lightly impressed into the flan. The surface retains a dark grey to greenish patina with scattered areas of cuprite and malachite oxidation. The edges remain rough and unfinished, reflecting the hand-cut nature of the planchet. No inscriptions or legends are present on this face. |
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| Edge | Log in to see details |
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| Mintage | ND (500 BC - 200 BC) - Estimated |
| Additional information |
Karshapanas of this type present one of the more stubborn attribution problems in South Asian numismatics — the punch-marked system was used across dozens of issuing authorities simultaneously, from Mahajanapada kingdoms to local merchant guilds, with no centralizing authority controlling the marks. Copper examples circulated well below the silver karshapana in purchasing terms and passed through hands that left no written record.