Organise yourselves into groups of five students each. Take up a group project to collect old coins from family members, neighbours, shopkeepers, and so on. Document their various features—what are they made of, what is the year inscribed on the coins, what do you observe on the obverse and reverse sides of the coins. What can you guess from your observations? How would you know if your guesses are true?
Expected observations from collecting old coins:
Material—coins may be made of copper, silver, nickel, or alloys; older coins may have different metal compositions.
Year—coins from different decades show the period of circulation.
Obverse side—usually features the national emblem, Ashoka Chakra, or portrait of historical figures.
Reverse side—shows denominational value, year of minting, and sometimes commemorative designs.
Size and weight—older coins may be larger or heavier than modern ones.
Condition—worn coins indicate long circulation.
Guesses can be verified by comparing with official RBI records, historical documents, numismatic references, or consulting experts.
The chapter mentions that ancient coins had symbols (rūpas), nature motifs, and images of kings and deities, while modern coins feature Hindi and English text.
Explanation
The chapter describes ancient coins on Pages 10-13, explaining their features: made from precious metals, called kārṣhāpaṇas or paṇas, with symbols (rūpas), nature motifs, and images of kings and deities. Modern coins have denominations in Hindi and English. This activity helps students understand coinage evolution through direct observation.
Solution Steps
Observe the material of coins—copper, silver, nickel, or alloys; older coins may have different metal compositions
Note the year inscribed on coins to determine the period of circulation
Examine the obverse side for national emblem, Ashoka Chakra, or portraits of historical figures
Examine the reverse side for denominational value, year of minting, and commemorative designs
Compare size and weight—older coins may be larger or heavier than modern ones
Assess condition—worn coins indicate long circulation
Verify guesses using official RBI records, historical documents, numismatic references, or expert consultation
Ancient coins featured symbols (rūpas), nature motifs, and images of kings and deities
Modern coins feature text in Hindi and English