INDIA, Mauryan Empire. Uncertain king, 3rd-2nd century BC. Karshapana (Silver, 14 mm, 3.20 g). Five punches, including three separate punches of human figures. Rev. Two punches. Gupta & Hardaker, series VII, 589. Rare with the three figures being depicted in seperate punches. Good fine.

From the collection of Prof. Dr. Björn-Uwe Abels, privately acquired from Münzenhandlung Ulrike Müller in Villingen in 1977.

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