
Mauryan coinage
Mauryan coinage, used during the Mauryan Empire (circa 4th to 2nd century BCE), was one of India's earliest forms of standardized currency. It primarily involved punch-marked silver and copper coins, which were hand-stamped with symbols representing different regions, denominations, or authorities. These coins facilitated trade and economic stability across the vast empire. The punch-marked coins are notable for their irregular shapes and diverse symbols, reflecting regional identities and offering insight into early Indian monetary practices. Mauryan coinage played a crucial role in promoting commerce, government control, and economic integration within the empire.