The Ardha-māṣakas of Magadha and Maurya: Analysis, classification and illustrated catalogue of the smallest punchmarked coins of ancient India

Expanding on the pioneering studies of V.S. Agrawala, Terry Hardaker and others, The Ardha-māṣakas of Magadha and Maurya presents a groundbreaking analysis of the minuscule one-rattī weight punchmarked coins of ancient India.This work not only explores the style and metrology of a significant group of these ancient coins, but also, for the first time, introduces metallurgical data to the examination of this series, offering new insights for economic historians, numismatists and collectors alike. Additionally, the book revises Hardaker’s 1999 catalogue, correcting and expanding his work to present a more comprehensive typological listing accompanied by unprecedented metrological data.Drawing on published hoards and newly analyzed specimens, this book clarifies the historical context of these small and poorly known coins and refines our understanding of their weight standard and typology. It is a must-read for collectors and those interested in ancient Indian coinage and the monetary history of ancient India. Read more