The field of ancient Indian numismatics is fraught with a number of problems and debates, which make the study of the coins of ancient India, such a rewarding and interesting endeavour. These problems and debates include those of the origin and antiquity of coinage in India; introduction of the die-striking mode of fabrication of coins, and of legends on ancient Indian coins; problems of attribution; of the rarity of busts and of realistic portraiture on ancient Indian coins; and of identification of deities on coins. Then, there are some enigmatic types; the significance of monograms appearing on coins; certain coin denominations; and forgery of coins, which pose problems. The author has presented, in a summarized manner, some of these vexing problems of ancient Indian numismatics, which appear to defy solution. Scholars have been endeavouring to find solutions to these problems. The author, himself, has devoted over a quarter of a century, pondering over such problems and debates. However, at best, the solutions proposed may be termed as probable, and not final and universally accepted ones.

Contents
1.Origin of Coinage in India
2.Antiquity of Coinage in India
3.Introduction of the die-striking mode of fabrication of coins in India
4.Introduction of legends on coins
5.Some problems of attribution
6.Rarity of royal figures and realistic portraiture on indigenous coins
7.Some problems of identification deities on coins
8.Some enigmatic types
9.Monograms on coins
10.Coin denominations
11.An illustrative problems of forgery