Maurya Empire | Silver Drachm

Mauryan coins, which were made from asymmetrically shaped chunks of silver, had an intriguing design consisting of numerous tiny symbols randomly hammered into the metal rather than a single design. The sun, geometric designs, people, animals, bows and arrows, wheels, trees, hills, and more are among the most often used symbols. Currently, roughly 450 different varieties are recognized. Following the collapse of the Mauryans, these coins gradually became obsolete and were replaced by Greek-style currency as Hellenistic civilization began to spread throughout India.

The Maurya Empire was one of the first major empires in ancient India, founded by Chandragupta Maurya in the 4th century BCE. It reached its zenith under Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE. The empire was marked by a strong centralized government, efficient bureaucracy, and Ashoka's conversion to Buddhism, which led to a period of religious tolerance and the spread of Buddhist ideals. The Maurya Empire covered a significant part of the Indian subcontinent, but it eventually declined after Ashoka's rule, fragmented into smaller kingdoms, and was succeeded by the Gupta Empire.

Ancient Artifacts guarantees the Authenticity of items sold through a three layer system of protection: 

1. Ancient Artifacts exclusively sources artifacts from trusted and reputable antique distributors, many of whom have been selling Artifacts for decades.  
2. Next, the Artifact is inspected by an expert team member, who is professionally trained in counterfeit detection After the artifact passes inspection, the Certificate of Authenticity is signed and the Artifact is packaged. 
3. Finally, Ancient Artifacts gives an additional layer of protection by promising a full refund with no questions asked, in the extremely unlikely event that a counterfeit slips through our vetting process.

Your coin will look very similar to the ones shown in the photos. There will always be some variety, given our items are unique historical pieces. The display case included is openable so that you may easily handle and closely observe the artifact.If for whatever reason you get anything that does not fit this description you are entitled to your money back! 

Owning a silver drachm from the Mauryan Empire is relatively accessible for collectors due to the significant role these coins played in the empire's economy and their survival over centuries. The Mauryan Empire (321–185 BCE), one of ancient India's most influential dynasties, standardized coinage to facilitate trade and administration across its vast territories. The silver drachm, influenced by earlier Greek coinage from neighboring regions, became a prominent currency during this time.

Many Mauryan drachms were preserved in hoards, buried by traders or individuals during times of war or instability. These hoards were later rediscovered, particularly in India and surrounding regions, through archaeological excavations or chance findings. 

Today, Mauryan silver drachms are available through specialized numismatic dealers, auctions, and online marketplaces.