Artwork Page for Punch-Marked Coin

Details / Information for Punch-Marked Coin

Punch-Marked Coin

400–300 BCE

India, Rajasthan, Maurya period

(322–185 BCE)
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Medium
silver
Measurements
Overall: 1.4 x 1.2 cm (9/16 x 1/2 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Sri B. D. Dwivedi 1967.242.a
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print

Description

Indigenous Indian coinage was cut to weight from sheets of silver or copper and punch-marked, instead of die-cast. Each punch-marked coin had a unique combination of symbols.
A silver coin features an irregular, rectangular shape with jagged edges. Multiple stamps mark its metallic surface. Toward the top, a circular form has thin lines radiating outward. To our right, a geometric motif with right angles sits above a small, four-legged animal. Toward our bottom left, a circular symbol with six protrusions surrounds a central dot. Recessed areas of these stamped marks appear dark gray against the silver.

Punch-Marked Coin

400–300 BCE

India, Rajasthan, Maurya period (322–185 BCE)

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