INDIA, Pre-Mauryan (Ganges Valley). Magadha Janapada. 6th-5th century BC. Karshapana (Silver, 27 mm, 3.47 g), first series. Five punches: elephant standing to right, six-armed Magadha imperial symbol, three conjoined fish, taurine in circle, and sun symbol. Rev. Blank. Gupta & Hardaker, Punchmarked Coinage of the Indian Subcontinent, Series I. Rare. Lightly toned. Very fine.



The rare coins from the first series date from the time of the accession of Ajatashatru, the son of King Bimbisara. Ajatashatru was an ambitious warrior king and quickly expanded his realm by conquering his neighbours, laying the foundation of the great Magadhan empire that would control the entire Gangetic basin for the next three centuries.