Punch Marked, Tentatively Attributed to Malla Janapada, Silver Fractional Unit, 0.24g, Single punch type. Patinated, extremely fine, extremely rare.
These enigmatic fractional coins surfaced around 2014 and may be tentatively attributed to the Shakya/Malla Janapadas, based primarily on their reported find-spot details, as observed by Sharad Sharma. The distinctive central dot surrounded by four U-shaped symbols (with minor variations) is a motif encountered on several silver and copper coins of the Gangetic plains, including the well-known “Lanky Bull” type of Kaushambi. Considering its small size, fabric and overall characteristics, the coin represents "mashaka" denomination of local type Punch Marked Coin.