Due to custom regulations we can not ship outside the E.U. Please make sure you have an EU shipping address before bidding. Very rare ancient solid silver bent bar, also known as 'Shatamana' with punched symbols on both sides, dating from the time of the Achaemenid administration, Gandhara. The characteristic feature of all Gandharan shatamanas was the six-armed round symbol stamped on either ends of the bar. Size: ± 32,4 mm Weight: ± 11,31 g Condition: good and solid condition, with clear punchmarks, nice patina. Some wear and iron deposits, consistent with age and use. See images. Certificate of Authenticity: available upon request (pdf-format). Reference: Rajgor 546 These large coins, possibly the first every struck in India, emerged around the 6th century BC in Gandhara, when Gandhara was a subject of the Persian Empire. Called shatamanas, they were likely influenced by Persian coinage and probably based on a Persian siglos standard. This theory, widely accepted, suggests that punchmarked coins spread from Gandhara to other regions of northern and central India. While some dispute this, preferring the idea of independent invention, shatamanas circulated for a considerable time until replaced by debased versions.