Minerals and Metals in Ancient India v2.c41.s8.2

v2.c41.s8.2

The Mint Master or *lakṣaṇādhyakṣaḥ* was supposed to supervise minting (2.12.24). *Lakṣaṇa* in this name refers to the emblem of the state stamped on the punch-marked coins. The use of the word *bimba* or die (4.4.20) suggests that the coins were punch-marked and not cast. Businessmen could have their coins made, but only under supervision in the mint owned by the state. The Examiner of coins or *rūpadarśakaḥ* was authorised to monitor the production, purchase, sell and proper currency (*paṇayātrā*) or circulation of the coins (2.12.25-26; 4.1.44).