[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Reference works](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference) › [An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.ghosh-1989) › v1.c21.s5 # An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c21.s5: 16.5 Dies An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c21.s5 - **Language:** English ### 16.5 Dies ### [v1.c21.s5.1](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.ghosh-1989.v1.c21.s5.1) A large number of Harappa seal-dies and a few of the historical period have come to light. Seal-dies were pressed against moist clay to make impressions. Metal seals were generally cast, though a few could be made by the technique followed in die-struck coins. ### [v1.c21.s5.2](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.ghosh-1989.v1.c21.s5.2) In making die-struck coins usually two dies were used \[3.11\]. A metal piece of the required size was sandwiched between the lower and upper die. A hammer stroke on the upper die impressed the designs on the metal piece. A bronze die from ERAN of \*c.\* 300 B.C. is the only extant specimen of ancient Indian coin-dies. ### [v1.c21.s5.3](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.ghosh-1989.v1.c21.s5.3) For site see respective entry in vol. II—K.K. THAPLYAL --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.ghosh-1989.v1.c21.s5](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.ghosh-1989.v1.c21.s5) · Pramāṇa