Punch Marked Coins 003
[Picture: The Obverse of a silver bent-bar, punchmarked coin] Once pieces of target weight were prepared, marks were impressed on these coins. The pieces of silver were first placed on metallic or wooden anvils. The punching device was placed on top of them and was hit hard by hammer or mallets. This is why these coins are called “Punch Marked” coins.
The punching device was made of relatively harder metal and each such device contained an individual image. Hundreds of such images have been identified, and numismatists continue to struggle to bring some sort of meaning, order and classification to the images scattered over the punch marked coins discovered so far.
Punch Marked Coins 002
[Picture: A Mauryan Silver Punch Marked Coin] Many people reckon BC 600 as the time that the Punch Marked Coins were invented, though the actual date might be 1000 BC or earlier. BC 600 is given so much importance in the history of Indian coinage because many historians feel that large city-states came into existence at this time, and a city-state economy needs some kind of a financial instrument. In all likelihood the city-states (called Janpadas) in India originated before 1000 BC, and perhaps as early as 2000 BC. With that said, we will discuss the PMCs that have been identified as produced from 600 BC up to approximately 400 AD.
Punch Marked Coins 001
[Picture: A Mauryan silver PMC] Punch Marked Coins (PMC) are the earliest coins produced in India or anywhere in the world with any kind of inscriptions whatsoever. Money used before the arrival of punch marked coins were reckoned mainly by weight, but the invention of PMCs changed it all. These coins were inscribed with various symbols that told people the value of the coin as well as the authority that had issued it.
How To Avoid Fake Indian Coins 3
As I mentioned in the last two articles, new collectors should initially collect familiar modern coins and should at the same time educate themselves as fast as possible.
The field of Indian coins is vast, and there is relatively less standardization in costs. The same coin might be sold by one seller for Rs. 50 and another seller for Rs. 250. Worse, what you buy for 250 might be a fake (or a relatively bad quality coin) if you do not know your field.
As you begin your self-enrichment, the biggest obstacle you face will be the lack of information. Almost everyone whom you ask about coins or books related to coins will give you a blank stare, though this ought not to be.
Tips for New Ancient Coin Collectors:
How to Manage the Addiction and Stay Solvent
I should begin by stating that this essay is aimed at beginning collectors with an addiction, but with limited income. If you are wealthy, go ahead and buy anything you like in the finest grades. If you are not in the upper 5% of incomes, then read on.
Mauryan Empire Under Asoka
Following the invasion of India by Alexander, a military leader of the Nanda Empire, Chandragupta Maurya (321 - 293 BCE), successfully revolted against the ruling powers in India. The Nanda dynasty had conquered most of Northern India and had enacted severe taxation policies. It is possible that Chandragupta fought and met with Alexander. It is certain that in 305 Chandragupta defeated a Seleukid army to take control of the Indus Valley.
How To Avoid Fake Indian Coins 2
Every collector of Indian coins should keep in mind that there are plenty of fakes floating around, especially when it comes to the more expensive coins. A good and recent example is given in Fake Kosala Karshapanas. Because of this he should develop a careful strategy so as not to be duped. Here are some of the things he ought to do:
How To Avoid Fake Indian Coins 1
Though the coin-collecting community in India is not highly visible yet, there exists a substantial number of collectors — both Indian as well as non Indian. With the increase in their numbers, purchasing power, the availability of electronic fund exchange, and the spread of online-sales and auction on ebay, have all resulted in great demand for Indian coins.
Shroff Marks On Bengal Sultanate Tankas
Under the practice of batta noted by Abu’l Fazl as originating in Bengal, the silver tankas of the sultanate were heavily discounted in circulation by currency traders and exchange brokers. This historical observation appears to be confirmed by the numismatic evidence: the vast majority of the surviving silver coins of the Bengal sultanate bear numerous ’shroff marks’, i.e. chops or punches presumably applied by sarrafs or bankers. This name for the marks, in common use by numismatists, is an Anglicism which arose during the pre-independence period. A more objective term would be ‘countermarks’.
Advise to Numismatic Writers 2
Numbering systems
The only modern catalogs which routinely omit numbering systems are Chinese works on cast cash, probably because saying or writing four single syllable characters is nearly as easy as and more informative than reciting a four digit number, and the authors care only about Chinese-speaking readers.
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