[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Science, technology and education](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science) › [Minerals and Metals in Ancient India](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996) › v2.c41.s8 # Minerals and Metals in Ancient India v2.c41.s8: Minting Coins Minerals and Metals in Ancient India v2.c41.s8 - **Language:** English ### Minting Coins ### [v2.c41.s8.1](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c41.s8.1) The \*Arthaśāstra\* described a system of coinage based on silver and copper. One silver \*paṇa\* had a specific weight \*karṣa\* or \*suvarṇa\* equalling 16 \*māsakas\*; its composition was one \*māsaka\* of hardening alloy (iron, tin, lead or antimony), 4 of copper and the rest or 11 of silver. Half-, quarter- and one-eighth \*paṇa\* coins had proportionally smaller weights but the same alloy composition as that of a \*paṇa\*. The weight of one \*māsaka\* copper coin was probably the same as that of a silver \*paṇa\*. The \*māsaka\*, half \*māsaka\*, quarter \*māsaka\* known as the \*kākaṇī\*, and half \*kākaṇī\* copper coins (progressively lower weights) had the same composition, viz., one-quarter hardening alloy and the rest copper (2.12.24). ### [v2.c41.s8.2](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.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). ## Cites (1) - [Kauṭilīya Arthaśāstra](https://indike.org/pramana/in.niti.artha.kautilya.2.12) — Kauṭilya, Sanskrit --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c41.s8](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c41.s8) · Pramāṇa