NEW BOOK: THE ARDHA-MASAKAS

The Ardha-māṣakas of Magadha and Maurya: Analysis, classification and illustrated catalogue of the smallest punchmarked coins of ancient India
by A. M. Fishman (Author), I. J. Todd (Author)

Published : April 7, 2025
Language : English
Paperback : 76 pages
ISBN-13 : 979-8311892025
Item Weight : 6.7 ounces
Dimensions : 6.69 x 0.18 x 9.61 inches

Expanding on the pioneering studies of V.S. Agrawala, Terry Hardaker and others, Ardha-māṣakas of Magadha and Maurya presents a groundbreaking analysis of the minuscule one-ratti 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.

From the Introduction:
Miniscule coins in several different metals (but with particular designs replicated across the metal types) appear infrequently in areas right around northern and central India, forming what is commonly known as the Magadha-Mauryan ma?aka (or mashaka) coinage. The term ma?aka is, however, strictly incorrect in its application here, as the coins uniformly weigh only half the weight of a ma?aka (which is two rattis). In the following chapters we present a comprehensive typological, metrological and metallurgical analysis based on previously published hoards and studies and our own analysis of a hoard of 1103 one-ratti coins obtained in trade.

For more information, or to order, see:
The Ardha-māṣakas of Magadha and Maurya: Analysis, classification and illustrated catalogue of the smallest punchmarked coins of ancient India (https://www.amazon.com/Ardha-m%C4%81%E1%B9%A3akas-Magadha-Maurya-classification-illustrated/dp/B0F44S1GG7/)
The Ardha-māṣakas of Magadha and Maurya: Analysis, classification and illustrated catalogue of the smallest punchmarked coins of ancient India Paperback – April 7, 2025 (https://www.numismall.com/products/new-catalogue-2025-the-ardha-ma%E1%B9%A3akas-of-magadha-and-maurya-fishman-todd)

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