Lot 10030 – Mauryan kings, local issue, probably Taxila, c. 3rd-2nd century BC, AV quarter stater 2.36 g.

Mauryan kings, local issue, probably Taxila, c. 3rd-2nd century BC, AV quarter stater 2.36 g. (8 mm). Obverse: humped bull facing left, symbol below its head. Reverse: a symbol of unknown meaning, comprising two crescents, a star and central circle.

An extremely rare anonymous coin that constitutes one of India’s earliest native gold coins. Probably issued around the city of Taxila, capital city of the ancient Gandhara, on the eastern side of the upper Indus River. Likely dating after the reign of Ashoka, third ruler of the Mauryan Dynasty (c. 268-232 BC).

EF, lustrous, yellow-orange surfaces, well-defined detail on the cow.

Similar coins sold in CNG, Triton IV, 2000, lot 359 (noting “fourth known specimen”), and Triton III, 1995, lot 719.

Ex Chand Collection 3.1.01