The origin of Indian coinage is still in question, but copper and silver coins which was issued by imperial dynasties and middle kingdoms began 6th century BCE to 1st millennium BCE.
Punch-marked coins are a type of coinage that was used.Cowry shells was first used.
2. Cowry Shells:
Cowries are sea snails that vary in size and looks like the shape of an egg. They ere used as a form of currency many years ag and in today's era, they are being used for jewelry purposes. The shells are smooth and shiny. Its etymology comes from Hindi and Sanskrit. "The term "porcelain" derives from the old old term for the cowrie shell (porcellana) due to their similar translucent appearance"
3. Shell Money
Shells were used as an exchange medium and were also used to make beads. It was mostly used in Africa, Australia, America and Asia. It was shipped around the world during the slave trade era and was congo's currency which was known as nzimbu
4. Wampum
It is the traditional beads of the indigenous group in the woodlands. The shells can be used to invite a person to a meeting, showing title, and to show that a speaker holding it is truthful. "Wampum" is a shorter version of the word "wampumpeag" - derived from the Massachusett or Narragansett word which means "white strings". It was often used as a form of currency or transcription.
Bracelet made from wampum. Source: Wikimedia
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