Ancient India Gandhara Janapada Copper Bent Bar (Shatamana)

Ancient India Gandhara Janapada Copper Bent Bar (Shatamana)

A rare and historically important copper Bent Bar (Shatamana) issued by the Gandhara Janapada during the Archaic period. These primitive bar-shaped coins represent some of the earliest forms of Indian currency, predating the widespread use of punch-marked coinage. Their distinctive shape and symbolic motifs make them highly desirable among collectors of early Indian numismatics.

Specifications

• Region: Gandhara Janapada
• Period: Archaic Period
• Denomination: Bent Bar (Shatamana)
• Metal: Copper
• Weight: 11.20 g

Obverse

A six-petaled Gandhara flower symbol engraved at each end of the bent bar.

Reverse

Uniface (plain).

Condition

Attractive earthen black-green patina, characteristic of ancient copper coinage.

Why Collect This Coin?

• One of the earliest known monetary forms from ancient India.
• Issued by the historic Gandhara Janapada, an important center of early Indian civilization and trade.
• Distinctive bent-bar (Shatamana) format with authentic Gandhara floral symbols.
• Excellent addition for collectors of ancient Indian coins, Janapada coinage, pre-Mauryan currency, and early monetary history.