New Delhi: The Indian rupee, which was at par with the American currency at the time of independence in 1947, hit a record low against the dollar recently. India was one of the first issuers of coins, and as a result it has seen a wide range of monetary units throughout its history. There is some historical evidence to show that the first coins may have been introduced somewhere between 2500 and 1750 BC. However, the first documented coins date from between the 7th/6th century BC to the 1st century AD. Let's go back and watch in pics the progress (or rather, decline of) Indian rupee down the years: Silver punch mark coin of the Maurya empire, known as Rupyarupa, 3rd century Rupiya issued by Sher Shah Suri, 1540–1545 British Indian ten rupee note One-rupee banknote Obverse of one-rupee note Indian one pice, minted in 1950 In 1964, India introduced aluminium coins for denominations up to 20p. British Indian one rupee note Mahatma Gandhi series 1000 banknote with the portrait of Mahatma Gandhi A postcard depicting the Mint. Rs.1000 Currency note released by Reserve Bank of India on 01 April, 1954 to honor the historic Brahadeeswarar Temple