Ancient India - Archaic Series - Punch Marked Coinage - attributed to Kashi Mahajanapada - Silver Vimshatika - 4.48g

Ancient India, Archaic Series, Punch Marked Coinage, attributed to Kashi Mahajanapada (c. 440-430 BC), Silver Vimshatika, 4.48 gms, 25.01 x 28.60 mm, Scyphate Series, Obv: A pair of two different geometric symbol also twice geometric symbol on both corner and various banker mark, Rev: plain,

Modern Varanasi district, alongwith parts of Jaunpur, Ghazipur and Mirzapur formed the part of ancient ‘Kashi’ janapada, which was amongst the earliest janapadas from 7th to 6th century BC and was ruled by Brahmadutta family.  Kashi’s punchmarked coinage is considered to be among the earliest coinage on Indian soil.  Present coin pertains to its middle phase and has been earlier reported from Bhabhua hoard.