both sides is changed, as in 40, 41. Figs. 18, 42, and 43, (in the latter of which the elephant might easily be mistaken for a Deva-nágarí letter,) are of the cast species; to which also belongs the multi-symbolic coin, fig. 18 of the last plate, and its fellows of former plates. The leaden coin, 49, is also cast, but it is probably a forgery from some copper original.

[Further examples and varieties of the general series of cast coins have since come to light, to which I refer here merely to exemplify how diversified both the types and fabric of these early pieces were, and the time that, in consequence, must reasonably be conceded to have elapsed between the commencement and the termination of this system of coinage. We have no sufficient data for separating the locality of their issue from the ordinary field of the collateral mintage of die-struck coins; for, as far as can be inferred from the sites of discovery, they would almost appear to have been parallel improvements upon the primitive punch-marked weights of metal: that they progressed in their own independent development, may however be admitted, from the advanced character of the outward form, and the superior treatment of the devices, of the later specimens.

As might be expected, they altogether fail to afford any proximate solution of the intentional standard under which they were put forth, as the weights vary to a marked degree. Wellpreserved examples of No. 37, now in the British Museum, range from 49 to 64, 65, and 68 grains, while specimens of No. 34 vary from 64 to 74 grains.

I do not propose at present to enter into any minutia in illustration of the various classes of cast coins, but I would refer to a somewhat curious division of the manufacture, in the shape of coins cast in copper or bronze, with the one side left altogether blank. I infer that Nos. 30, 31, pl. xv., Ariana Antiqua,' are of this description, though Prof. Wilson does not notice the method of formation.

However, I have a coin of Mr. Bayley's now before me, which leaves little doubt as to the process employed for its production. These pieces are further interesting, though perplexing, in the fact that, though so crude and normal in their fabric, they exhibit legends, in the old Lát character, of excellent execution and some pretension. The piece under reference bears the letters उघगोदस or उपगोदस with the 'Taurus' symbol below and a circle with a dot in the centre above the writing. I myself have a coin of this class, the legend of which responds, though unsatifactorily to the modern Sanscrit letters इकाडतत्र. ]

Of the second branch, or die-struck coins, we have also several sub-divisions: I. The peculiar bronze-metal (Ayodhya?) coins of Behat in the last plate; to which belongs 44, with the 'tree' symbol, and a sitting dog on the obverse. II. A group, (figs. 45, 46, 47, [Rúmadatasa]) having a horse on one side, similar to Lieut. Conolly's coin 1, pl. xxv. [vii.] of vol. iii. III. The stag' and Chaitya coin, (figs. 16, 48; also, figs. 1, 2, and 6, of pl. xviii., and fig. 4, of pl. xxv. [vii.] vol. iii.): and, IV. Those square rude coins, first pointed out by Masson, having an elephant on one side, and a lion (dog) on the other, with the characteristic Chaitya symbol: figs. 50 and 51 of this kind, are from the Ventura collection.

Upon most of the latter, or die-struck, species are portions of inscriptions in the Lat character, as was first clearly determined from Lieut. Conolly's coin [vii. fig. 1]. The letters, so well defined on that type-coin, may be read विदाहेवस, vidahevasa ; [ विष्णुदेवस] the second in the list there given was converted into ; the third into ; but such renderings, having nothing, beyond their being real Sanskrit words, to recommend them, are hardly admissible. In the same manner, nothing can be

made of the combination patama dasata of fig. 45; pasaha of 46; or ramahata of 47: the last coin is curious, from having an alligator or lizard symbol, similar to the sign on the porcelain ring from Behat (fig. 1.)

In explanation of the absence of any of the titles of sovereignty in these legends, the quotation already cited from M. Csoma's Analysis of the Dulva' may be again brought forward-that under the symbols of the 'circle, deer,' etc. the name of the founder of the vihara should be inscribed;-indeed the whole of the above passage is singularly applicable to this group of coins; and, in conjunction with other evidence, suggests the idea that the Buddhist coinage was struck in the monasteries of the priesthood, where the learning, skill, and riches of the country would naturally follow their attainment of influence and ascendancy over princes and people. The same argument may account for the imitation of Bactrian or Indo-Scythic devices in the later coins of the series; since it is well known that Buddhism prevailed through these countries also, and a constant inter-communication must have been consequently kept up. How far the antiquity of the first Buddhist groups of coins may have approached the epoch of Buddha (544 B.C.) it is difficult to determine, but their assimilation to the Indo-Scythic coins must have been posterior to the breaking up of the genuine Bactrian dynasty, perhaps about the commencement of the Christian era.

[In regard to Prinsep's second branch,' or die-struck coins, I have also a few observations to offer, as the distinct stages of impulsive progress seem to be susceptible of more accurate classification and separation than they have previously been subjected

to. It is clear that, in this instance, the practical adaptation of a conventional coinage arose out of the introductory definition of fixed weights of metal as the ordinary representatives of value; and the early punch-marked pieces of silver and copper authentically exemplify the transitional phase thus far advanced beyond the primitive system of barter. Whether the consecutive symbols impressed upon their surfaces convey the insignia of different dynasties, or purport to be no more than the trial counterstamps of subsequent weighments-for the renewed legalization of the pieces either in other kingdoms or during the reigns of succeeding potentates-we need not stop to determine; but it is manifest that, with a people so advanced in civilization as the Hindús of olden time, the division of recognised weights of silver and copper of convenient amount, effectually constituted an introductory circulating medium; and the fact of these measures of value being still referred to as weights, and not as definitive coins, perhaps simply establishes the consistency of the written law with the material evidences those who lived under it have left behind them.

The copper and bronze coins illustrate more completely than their less common associates of the superior metal the successive rudiments of mechanical development. Their earliest examples diverge but slightly from the original crude model;

[The following disconnected extracts from Manu indicate pretty clearly that, even if there were absolutely no determinate coinage, there were, at least, ready means of liquidating both large and small amounts. Gold, it must be remembered, is, to this day, receivable, in Hindústán proper, by weight alone :—Chap. viii. Para. 131: 'Those names of copper, silver, and gold weights, which are commonly used among men, for the purpose of worldly business, I will now comprehensively explain.' The text then goes on to enumerate the weights quoted from Colebrooke, page 211. Para. 138: Now 250 panas are declared to be the first or lowest amercement, 500 the mean, and 1000 the highest.' Para. 212: Should money or goods be given,' etc. Para. 213: If the money be delivered,' etc. Para. 318: 'He who steals the rope or the waterpot from a well, and he who breaks down a cistern, shall be fined a másha of gold.' Para. 330:

The fine shall be 5 racticas of gold or silver.' Para. 402: 'Let the King make a regulation for market prices.' Para. 403: Let all weights and measures be well ascertained by him, and once in six months let him re-examine them.' Para. 404: The toll at a ferry is 1 pana for an empty cart, a pana for a man with a load, pana for a beast used in agriculture, or for a woman, and of a pana for an unloaded man.' Para. 404: The King should order each man of the mercantile class to practice trade, or money lending,' etc.-Sir W. Jones: Institutes of Hindú Law; or, the Ordinances of Menu,' Works, vol. iii.]

for though the one die continues to shew a gradual improvement upon the ancient contremarques, the lower surface of the coin is still left blank.1 Next we perceive the incipient indication of a reverse, arising, possibly, out of the necessity for a sort of catch on the smooth anvil which hitherto appears to have been employed. This innovation also may be detected in its various scales of elaboration, from the rough intaglio needed to fix the planchet, up to the nearly complete device of Nos. 45, 46: or otherwise, as in the case of many of the Behat coins, the object in view may be seen to have been more simply attained by the convex surface given to the reverse of the piece. I do not propose to follow out this subject more at large: it is sufficient to say, that for this section of Hindústán its own metallic records efficiently prove the self-instruction of its inhabitants; and the several steps in invention which led to the final production of the excellent silver coins of Amogha.

To the evidence derived from manipulative indications may be added those of the designs and treatment of the die-devices, which in like degree evince independent thought. The Indian figures follow the ideal models of their own land, and bear no trace of the conventionalities of Greek art. The devices, though at times rising far above mediocrity, affect only local associations, and are as free from all symptom of imitation of the favourite subjects of the Greek mint-masters as their details are deficient in the boldness and freedom of the classic dies. On the other hand, the re-productive process can be traced in all its degradations at a subsequent period when the indigenous races came to supersede the sovereignty of the Bactrian-Greeks; and the contrast shews how very different was the action of the downward course, among the same people, in copying foreign prototypes-in opposition to the free development of their own accepted models. In illustration of this, I have only to refer to the Satrap coins previously noticed as imitated

1

[Coins found on the Jamna-having a stag device and the legend Ramatasa, --with their modifications, etc.]