An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c8.s1.2

v1.c8.s1.2

How the coins were manufactured in early period is not recorded anywhere in extant literature. However the *Arthaśāstra* incidentally gives a list of objects that were used for the manufacture of counterfeit coins. The metal was melted in crucibles and purified with alkalis; the metal was first beaten into sheets on the anvil with a hammer and then cut into pieces with clippers. An adjustment of the weight was made by cutting small bits of one or more corners of the heavier pieces and this led to a deviation from their rectangular shape. Finally these pieces were stamped with punches either on one or both of their faces. After final verification by money-testers these coins were put into circulation. The silver punch-marked coins of which several thousands have been found all over the country must have been manufactured by this process. This technical development—manufacture of punch-marked coins—was of considerable significance. It made possible the mass production of coins of uniform content and weight and thus provided a currency which could be circulated, so that passing of money by weight became unnecessary.