History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c14.s3.21

v1.c14.s3.21

Defects of various types, as noted above, are, however, not noticeable on a large number of coins of the pre-Gupta and Gupta ages including numerous Indo-Greek, Kusana and Gupta pieces. Many of these can be classed as objects of art. (Mukherjee 1978, pp.16ff; 1982, pp.20ff; 1983, Vol. XVII pp.22 ff). Production of such quality die-struck coins depended on the artistry of the obverse and reverse devices, excellence of the relevant die(s), purity and/or suitability of the required metal, efficiency in technique of minting and will and resources of the minting authorities (Mukherjee, 1982, pp.10 and 64).