INDIA, Pre-Mauryan (Chambal Valley). Matsya Janapada. Circa 500-400 BC. 1/2 Vimshatika (Silver, 12 mm, 2.73 g). Single punch: a cross depicting pachisi, an ancient board game. Rev. Blank. Not listed in Rajgor, but published in Sharad Sharma, Numismatic Digest, Vols. 29-30 (2005-2006). A very rare and interesting type. The obverse struck somewhat off center and with some deposits, otherwise, good very fine.


This issue depicts the ancient Indian board game, pachisi (also called chaupar), which was first described in the epic Mahabharata. It was played on a distinctive 4-armed board shaped like a cross, using cowrie shells as dice.