★ The mythical heroes of the Ramayana: Ram, Sita and Lakshman ★

INDIA, Mauryan Empire. Karshapana (Silver, 12x16 mm, 3.41 g), circa 2nd century BC. Three punches: three human figures, 'Bale mark', dog over turtle. Rev. Three banker's marks: Damaru, Indra-Dhvaja, Triskeles. Pieper 144. About very fine.

From a collection of coins from Central Asia.

There is some debate over the identification of the three human figures in the lower obverse punch. One compelling theory proclaims that they represent the mythical heroes of the Ramayana: Ram, Sita and Lakshman.