Correct Option
The correct option isSilver and Copper
Explanation
The earliest coinage in the Indian subcontinent dates back to the 6th century BCE, coinciding with the period of the Mahajanapadas and the Second Urbanisation. These coins are historically termed punch-marked coins due to their manufacturing technique.
Detailed Analysis
- Composition: Punch-marked coins were predominantly manufactured using Silver. These silver coins were commonly referred to as Karshapanas, Puranas, or Dharanas in ancient texts. Copper was also used for lower-denomination coins, but silver remained the primary metal for trade and commerce during this period.
- Technique and Features: Unlike later coins, these were not die-struck with royal portraits or inscriptions. Instead, symbols (such as the sun, crescent, trees, bulls, and geometric patterns) were punched onto irregular flat pieces of metal.
- Historical Evolution:
- Gold coins were not part of the earliest coinage; they were introduced significantly later, primarily by the Indo-Greeks and Kushanas.
- Lead and Potin coins are distinct characteristics of the Satavahana dynasty (post-Mauryan period).
Key Takeaway: The earliest Indian coins (Punch-marked coins) appeared in the 6th century BCE and were primarily made of Silver and Copper, bearing punched symbols without any legends or ruler portraits.