Mauryan, Kaushambi region, cast ½ Kakani (c. 300-200 BC) elephant

[Quant.Geek]

It seems that the defining feature of a "great" specimen of one of these coins is a well-struck elephant done by an experienced engraver. Most coins seem to have a nice three-arched hill, but few coins have an easily identifiable elephant.

I am not that convinced that the engravers made such an unidentifiable elephant.  The elephant is enormously important and hence care must have been taken when cutting the dies.  It seems to me that it *might* be the joining of another animal on the left, especially with leg-like attributes on the left...

[ChrisHagen]

Aha! That is an interesting theory. What would be most likely? A horse, a bull, or another animal?

[ChrisHagen]

I made this in ten seconds so excuse the horrible mspaintjob. This is what I have started to see. NO ELEPHANT ON THE COIN

[cmerc]

These were cast.  Casting flaws are common.  Great imagination though!!