punchmark

A punchmark is a type of early Indian coinage that was in use from around the 6th century BCE to the 1st century CE. These coins were typically made of silver and were characterized by their irregular shapes and the presence of various symbols stamped onto their surface. The symbols, which could include depictions of animals, celestial bodies, geometric patterns, or human figures, were punched onto the metal blank rather than being impressed by dies in the way later coinage was produced.

The exact meaning and purpose of these punchmarks are not fully understood. Some scholars believe they represented deities, royal insignia, or perhaps assay marks indicating the purity of the metal. The punching process meant that each coin was unique, and the absence of a uniform design distinguished them from the more standardized coinage that would later emerge. Punchmarked coins are found across a wide geographical area of the Indian subcontinent and were used for trade and commerce in various kingdoms and republics. Their study provides valuable insights into the economic and political history of ancient India. Different regions and periods often had distinctive sets of symbols, allowing numismatists to categorize and date these artifacts.