2021-08-06 Fri

Gautamiputra Siri Satakarni was the ruler of the Satavahana Empire; he is considered one of the most important rulers and the greatest ruler of the Satavahana Empire. During his rule, he expanded his territory from Rajasthan in the northwest to the Andhra in the east and Gujarat in the west to Kalinga in the east. He has been considered one of the most important rulers in Indian history achieved success against the Kshatrapas ruler Nahapana.

The silver drachm that weighs around 2.20g is a counter strike coin of Gautamiputra Satakarni. Gautamiputra did not issue any silver coins on his own, he issued coins only after winning the conquest against Nahapana; he counter-struck his silver coins. The obverse of this coin depicts Bust of the king and traces of crude Greco-Roman legend around overstruck by a 'six-arched hill with crescent and a wavy line below' symbol and Brahmi legend (…miputasa...). The reverse of this coin depicts an arrow, thunderbolt, kharosthi and Brahmi legend on it overstruck with three arched hills with a river flowing below symbol (overtype).

This silver drachm is listed for INR 20,000 in the upcoming electronic auction of Classical Numismatic Galley that will be held on 15th August 2021.

Image Courtesy: Classical Numismatic Gallery