Most of you are aware I am a huge fan of the old Indian punch mark coins (PMC) , made famous due to the large numbers that have come down to us from the Mauryan period. The small silver Karshapana are quite common but very rare types and variations exist. Over the last couple of years I have gathered quite an assortment of types. Some common as the dirt they were found in and others very rare and historically/ religiously significant. India has a vast history of coin production and a wide variety of types issued by countless dynasties and kingdoms, originating in the earliest times. Well I had a hankering for a new punch mark coin. Without a particular time or type in mind I came across Stephan Album's auction. The coin I found I won with my first bid unopposed. When I received the coin it was covered in some soft brown gunk that was quite unsightly. It took me a second to figure out how to clean it. I then rinsed it under the tap and brushed it with a tooth brush, gently of course. This is when a new punch on the reverse side was made obvious to me that I did not see in the original listing nor in hand before cleaning. This is what I call a pleasant numismatic surprise. Without breaking into some seriously complex history that most are not familiar with I would just say the coin is from an empire called the Western Chalukya they battled the mighty Chola for control of southern India about AD 1000. map from wikipedia...with thanks This coin was minted under their authority at the time when Chola Invaded Taprobane. Chola preoccupation with the rising Chalukya caused a weakening of their grip on Taprobane and this lead to the emergence of Vijayabahu I to recapture the island. So here is the coin... Chalukya of Kalyana Jayasimha II Jagadekhamalla,(r. AD 1015-1042) AV Pagoda 18 mm x 3.79 grams Obverse: 2 x Sri, Temple/ spearhead with central rosette. - Kannad Script -Jakadeva Reverse: Uniface - Countermarked elephant right. Uncertain symbol. Ref:Mitch, Karnataka Andhra 273 var BTW if someone ever offers you a punch mark coin of the Mauryan period. Remember Ancientnoob told you "Fakerdoodles"
