Which materials were used for making the earliest minted coins in ancient India?

Silver and copper

The introduction of coinage played a crucial role in fostering exchanges during ancient times. Among the earliest coins minted and utilized were punch-marked coins made of silver and copper, which date back to around the sixth century BCE. Archaeological excavations at various sites across the subcontinent have yielded these ancient coins, providing valuable insights into early trade and commerce.

Numismatists, experts in the study of coins, have extensively analyzed these ancient coins, as well as others, to reconstruct and understand the potential commercial networks that existed during that period. Through their investigations, they have shed light on the intricate connections and trade routes that facilitated exchanges between different regions in ancient India.