What is Numismatics?
Numismatics, a discipline rooted in the comprehensive examination and collection of coins, tokens, and diverse coin-like artifacts that have served as currencies in historical contexts, signifies a multiple exploration of monetary evolution. Beyond its scope, numismatics extends its purview to encompass the thorough analysis of various payment procedures controlled by societies to facilitate commercial transactions and settle financial debts.
Numismatics Explained
Numismatics is all about studying coins and money from way back when. It's different from history or economics because it focuses on physical possessions, like what the coins look like, rather than how they were used.
Although people often use "numismatics" and "coin collection" together, numismatics is more serious and looks at coins in a deeper way. It's like all numismatists are coin collectors, but not all coin collectors are numismatists. This all started during the European Revival when people wanted to find out about old things again.
The word "numismatics" first appeared in English in 1829, and it comes from the word "numismatic," which means "about coins." That word originated from the French "numismatiques," which comes from the Latin "numismatis."
Numismatists study how coins were made and used in history. They find coins that are rare, unique, or have a cool story behind them. They also like coins that were made wrong, which makes them extra special.
Numismatics in Indian History
Coins hold significant historical value, serving as essential artifacts that shed light on important historical developments. Numismatics, in this regard, not only aids in understanding the monetary dynamics but also provides insights into broader economic and political contexts.
The widespread circulation of Kushana coins serves as evidence of active trading endeavors, while the depiction of ship motifs on Satvahana coinage signifies the paramount importance of maritime commerce during that era. The engravings of rulers, deities, and inscriptions on coins offer valuable glimpses into the social and political structures prevalent in various ancient kingdoms.
An intriguing aspect is the scarcity of dates on early Indian coins. With the exception of certain western Kshatrapa coins that indicate dates according to the Shaka era and a few Gupta silver coins that mark the regnal years of rulers, most early Indian coins lack specific dating. Nonetheless, dated or not, coins discovered during archaeological excavations play a crucial role in establishing the chronology of historical layers. For instance, at the Sonkh site near Mathura, the stratification of excavated levels was organized into eight distinct periods based on the findings of coins