Punch-Marked Coin (Cleveland Museum of Art 1967.243)
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
400–300 BCE
After Alexander of Macedon succeeded in conquering Egypt and Persia in 331 BC, his ambition to rule the known world led him further east across Bactria in Afghanistan, through the Hindu Kush mountain pass, and into India. There he succeeded in defeating all the local kings of the region until his men, on the brink of mutiny, insisted that they return to Greece. Alexander left governors in charge of his territories, and after his death in 323 BC, his governors became independent kings, establishing Hellenistic cities and a Greek cultural base in the region, which lasted for almost 200 years. Native Indian coinage was marked with symbols associated with the place where they were issued. Cleveland Museum of Art object 1967.243: Punch-Marked Coin, 400–300 BCE. India, Rajasthan, Maurya period (322–185 BCE). Silver; overall: 1.4 x 1.2 cm (9/16 x 1/2 in.). Details are those of this museum object; how far it represents a wider type has not been independently verified.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 3
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Historical context
Early Indian coins were cut in irregular shapes and punched with a wide range of marks. The deep punches would prove that the coin was pure silver all the way through.
Physical characteristics
- Materials
- silver
- Dimensions
- Overall: 1.4 x 1.2 cm (9/16 x 1/2 in.)
- Measurements
- Overall: 1.4 x 1.2 cm (9/16 x 1/2 in.)
- Material and technique
- silver
Identification
- Date recorded
- 400–300 BCE
- Culture period
- India, Rajasthan, Maurya period (322–185 BCE)
- Holding institution
- Cleveland Museum of Art
- Museum object number
- 1967.243
- Museum classification
- Coins
Documentation checklist
- Denomination
- Research required
- Issue or mint date
- Recorded
- Material
- Recorded
- Weight
- Research required
- Mint or printer
- Research required
- Mint or printer mark
- Research required
- Catalogue reference
- Research required
- Attached photograph (check rights)
- Recorded
Recorded means a field is present, not independently verified. Read its wording, supporting source and the entry’s confidence level.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: this record describes a single museum object; confirm the wider coin type and standard catalogue references (e.g. SNG, RPC, RIC) against numismatic literature.