Vol. 4, Issue 7, Part E (2018)

Abstract
The term Niska and Satamana referred in vedic text were not the coins. The earliest coins are Punch-marked silver currency of the 5th century B.C and it was circulated by the Mauryas. The Greek issued gold coins for the first time in India and it was the Guptas who circulated gold coins on large scale. The Kushan gold coins obtained from the central Asia was the purest of all. The paucity of coins in post Gupta period suggest not only the break in Indo-Roman trade, but also depression in world market. The Indian coinage was revived by the Chandellas, Kalachuris, Tomaras etc. Coins are not only useful in determining the extent of the empire but more importantly it determines the nature of economy and it also on social and cultural milieu of the time. A more sincere and scientific approach is needed to study the coins.