Punch-Marked Coin, Kalinga Janapada (Modern Orissa), Silver Karshapana ABCC Type (500-260 BC)

Era : 500-260 BC
Weight : 3.46 grams
Diameter :27mm
Denomination : Karshapana
Metal : Silver
Reference : 

Obverse : Four symbol incluing elephant, candelabra and twice geometric symbol.

Reverse : Bankers mark.

Comment : 
Kalinga was an ancient kingdom on India’s eastern coast, centred in present-day Odisha, formerly Orissa. The silver punch-marked coins attributed to Kalinga belong to the early regional coinage of ancient India. The ABCC type bears four principal punches, with one symbol repeated twice, reflecting a system of marking silver currency before royal portraits and written legends became common. Kalinga is best remembered for its fierce resistance to Emperor Ashoka during the Kalinga War, around 261 BC. The suffering caused by this conquest deeply affected Ashoka and shaped his policy of dhamma. Very Fine, Extremely Rare.