Coinage of India, issued by Imperial dynasties and smaller middle
kingdoms of India began during the 1st millennium BC, and consisted
mainly of copper and silver coins in its initial stage. Scholars remain
divided over the origins of Indian coinage. What is known, however, is
that metal currency was minted in India well before the Mauryan empire
(322–185 BC), and as radio carbon dating indicates, before the 5th
century BC.
The tradition of Indian coinage was further enriched by the coming of
Islam. The East India Company introduced uniform coinage in the 19th
century, and these coins were later imitated by the modern nation
states of Republic of India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh.
Numismatics plays a valuable role in determining certain period of
Indian history.
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India Old Coin 2006-2011