**The Earliest Coins of India**

*Introduction*
The earliest coins of India were known as punch-marked coins. These coins were an important milestone in the history of Indian currency. Let's delve into the details of these ancient coins.

**What Were Punch-Marked Coins?**
Punch-marked coins were one of the earliest forms of currency used in India. They were minted from a variety of metals, including silver, copper, and gold. These coins were called punch-marked because they were punched with various symbols or marks, which represented their value or the issuing authority.

**Features of Punch-Marked Coins**
Punch-marked coins had certain distinctive features:

1. *Shape and Size:* These coins were usually irregular in shape and not standardized like modern coins. They ranged in size from small to large, with diameters varying from 6mm to 25mm.

2. *Symbols and Marks:* The coins were punched with various symbols and marks, which served as a means of identification. These symbols included geometric shapes, animals, plants, human figures, and abstract symbols.

3. *Multiple Punches:* It was common for these coins to have multiple punches, indicating their value or the authority that issued them. The number of punches on a coin determined its worth.

4. *Weight and Metal Quality:* The weight and metal quality of punch-marked coins also varied. Generally, silver coins were of higher value than copper or gold coins.

**Usage and Significance**
Punch-marked coins were widely used in trade and commerce during ancient times. They played a crucial role in facilitating economic transactions within and beyond Indian borders. The presence of multiple punches on these coins helped establish their authenticity.

**Evolution and Decline**
Over time, the punch-marked coins evolved into more standardized and shaped coins with inscriptions. These new coins were known as cast coins. With the advent of the Gupta dynasty, gold coins became prominent in India. Eventually, the use of punch-marked coins declined as more advanced and sophisticated coinage systems were introduced.

**Conclusion**
The earliest coins of India, known as punch-marked coins, were an important development in the history of Indian currency. These coins were unique in their shape, size, and markings, and played a crucial role in trade and commerce. From punch-marked coins, India's currency system evolved and progressed, marking the beginning of a long and fascinating journey in the world of numismatics.

The first indian coin - punch marked coin is known as puranas , pana or karsha panas