The Coinage of the Gupta Empire and its Imitations c17.s2.2

c17.s2.2

The reader of this book must have been surprised to learn of the wide variations in weight in the specimens of the same type or variety, that we have met with. The weight of the Aśvamedha coins of Samudragupta, which are well preserved, varies between 112 to 121 grains. In the Archer type of Chandragupta II, some coins weigh 127, some 124 and some 121 grains. The weights of the coins tend to increase with each successive reign. In modern times, we are not accustomed to such phenomena. The weight of the Indian rupee has not changed between 1856 and 1956, though there were five different kings or authorities who issued them. Further, all the coins that are issued by a state meticulously follow the standard prescribed for the currency. No two dollars or pounds or rupees would be found to be varying from each other in their weight. Modern mint-authorities are very particular in seeing to it that all coins issued from the mint do conform to the precise prescribed standard. If any piece is found to be deficient or excessive in weight, it is condemned and melted down. It appears that the mint authorities of ancient times, whether of India or Rome or Greece, were not very meticulous about the weights of the pieces they sent into circulation. Well preserved gold coins of the Kuṣāṇas and the Guptas often vary in weight between 118 and 122 grains. The gold aurei of Julius Cāeser vary in weight between 121 to 125 grains. The theoretical weight of the Greek silver drachm was 67.2 grains, but the silver issues of Demetrius in this denomination vary from 55 to 61 grains and those of Eucratides from 52 to 67 grains.