Early northern trade coinage. Narhan-Chirand-Muzaffarpur culture. Circa 440-400 BC. Silver 32 Mashakas, Cut ingot with punchmarks.

Era : Circa 440-400 BC
Weight t: 6.59 grams
Dimensions : 36 x 16.5 mm
Denomination : 32 Mashakas
Metal : Silver
Reference : ATEC 2204-10 (for type); Rajgor 532; cf. AICR 18-9.

Obv : crescent symbol with pellet, V above; additional various punchmarks

Rev : Blank.

Comment :
This rare coin series is traditionally attributed to the Shakya Janapada, the clan territory to which Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, belonged. The Shakya territory extended across parts of present-day India and Nepal, and coins attributed to this series are also found in India. Its capital was Kapilavastu, where the Buddha spent his early life. Nearby Lumbini, recognised by UNESCO as the birthplace of the Buddha, adds to the region’s historical importance.

The coin blanks were cut to shape and heated before a single main symbol was punched onto them, creating a rounded bulge on the reverse. Additional marks were applied later. A rare and distinctive example of early coinage associated with the Buddha’s homeland, 
Natural deposites, a few striking fractures, extremely fine.