Punch Marked Coins
What is a punch marked coin?
Punch-marked coins, sometimes referred to as Aahat coins, are an early kind of Indian coinage that dates between the second and sixth centuries BC. Its form was asymmetrical. The majority of the subcontinent is home to these coins. It was in use until the early centuries of the Common Age.
The method of manufacture used to create these coins gives them the nickname “punch-marked” coins. These bear symbols are mostly composed of silver and were punched into the coin using a separate punch.
What are punch-marked coins in Odisha?
Punch-marked coins in Odisha refer to ancient metal coins bearing stamped symbols and marks, often found in archaeological excavations across the region. These coins were likely used for commercial transactions and economic activities within the historical context of Odisha, contributing to the understanding of ancient trade networks and monetary systems in the region.
What were punch-marked coins made of?
Punch-marked coins made up of silver. These coins were typically made of metals like silver and copper,. It formmed the earliest standardized currency systems in ancient economies.
What are punch-marked coins in Kerala?
In Kerala, punch-marked coins denote ancient metal coins bearing stamped symbols, potentially utilized for commercial transactions and economic activities within the region’s historical context. Kerala also had access to the Punch-marked coins that were widely used in northern India. Kerala has maintained commercial ties with northern India since that period. Though they were not in use, the Roman coins discovered in Kerala were valued items.
Who used punch-marked coins in India?
Punch-marked coins were utilized by various ancient civilizations and kingdoms across India, including the Mauryan Empire and Mahajanapadas, as mediums of exchange in trade and commerce. These coins in India were crafted by skilled artisans and authorities, including rulers of different kingdoms and empires, to serve as official currency for facilitating economic transactions.
Punch Marked Coins
The introduction of punch-marked coins was an important turning point in the history of currency. It indicates the first regular form of monetary transaction in the society. Punched coins are proofs of past economies. It provides insights into the business activity and political structures of past societies. These old coins are in asymmetrical shapes and have imprinted marks.
Let’s explore the production of punch-marked coins by different organizations and how they influenced the development of early monetary systems.
Table of Content
- Punch Marked Coins
- Punch Marked Coins: Overview (Table)
- Punch Marked Coins: History
- Punch Marked Coins: Symbols
- Punch Marked Coins Issued by Mahajanapadas
- Punch Marked Coins Issued by Mauryan Period