The gold coins of first century AD, identical to Romans were issued by

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct option is 1:
The Kushanas were the dynasty responsible for issuing gold coins in the first century AD that were identical in weight and purity to the Roman gold *denarius* (or *aureus*). This phenomenon is a direct reflection of the extensive trade relationship, particularly the Silk Road trade, that flourished between the Kushana Empire in Central and South Asia and the Roman Empire. The Kushana emperor Vima Kadphises is credited with being the first to issue gold coinage of this standardized weight, which facilitated smooth commerce with the powerful Roman market. The coins were often referred to as *dinara*, derived from the Roman *denarius*. The similarity in metallic standard underscores the economic integration and the Kushanas' strategic positioning as middlemen in international trade routes.

The incorrect option is 2:
The Mauryas ruled much earlier than the first century AD (approximately 322–185 BCE) and did not have gold coinage comparable to the Roman standard. Their primary coinage was punch-marked silver and copper coins.

The incorrect option is 3:
The Shungas succeeded the Mauryas, ruling primarily between 185 and 73 BCE. Their coinage consisted mainly of copper and bronze pieces, and they did not issue gold coins that mirrored the Roman *denarius*.

The incorrect option is 4:
The Shakas (or Indo-Scythians) ruled in parts of Northwestern India contemporaneously with the Kushanas in some areas, but it was the Kushanas, particularly under rulers like Vima Kadphises and Kanishka, who established the large-scale issuance of gold coins modeled after the Roman system to manage the influx of Roman gold from trade.