Punch-marked coins were generally found in which shape?

The correct answer is Rectangular.

Key Points

• Punch-marked Coins
  • ​Punch-marked coins were generally rectangular or sometimes square or round in shape, either cut out of metal sheets or made out of flattened metal globules (a small spherical body). 
  • The coins were not inscribed but were stamped with symbols using dies or punches, that's why they are called punch-marked coins. 
  • These coins are found over most parts of the subcontinent and remained in circulation till the early centuries CE.
  • The Punch marked coin series can be further divided into four categories: The Taxila-Gandhara type, the Kosala type, the Avanti type, and the Magadhan type.
  • With the expansion of the Magadhan Empire, the coins that belonged to the Magadhan category replaced the other three types.
  • It must be noted that these coins do not have any legends inscribed on them which could convey the details of the kingdom.
  • Punched Marked coins were made of silver, had a standard weight but were irregular in shape.
  • The irregular shape was made by cutting up silver bars and then making the correct weight by cutting the edges of the coin.
  • These coins lack any inscriptions written in contemporary languages and were always struck in silver.
  • After the fall of the Maurya Empire and the increased influence of the Indo-Greeks,punch-marked coins were replaced by cast die struck coins as visible in the Post-Mauryan period.