2022-05-23 Mon

Chandragupta II was the ruler of the Gupta Empire; he is also known by the title Vikramaditya. He was one of the most powerful rulers of the Gupta Empire. He succeeded Samudragupta and became the second great ruler of the Gupta Empire.

During the reign of Chandragupta II, the art and architecture and the cultural development of the Gupta Empire flourished. After sitting on the throne of the Gupta Empire, Chandragupta II proved to be an able ruler of the Gupta Empire and conqueror with many achievements to his credit.

The 'Lion-Slayer' type gold dinar, which weighs around 7.6g, was issued by Chandragupta II, during his rule in the Gupta Empire. The obverse side of the gold dinar depicts the king slaying a lion to right with a bow and arrow Brahmi legend Narendrachandrah (prathitarano rane jyatyajayyo bhuvi simhavikramah) in the top right field. The reverse side of this gold dinar depicts Goddess Durga, nimbate, seated in profile astride a walking lion, holding a diadem in the right hand and a long-stemmed lotus flower in the left, with Brahmi legend Simhavikrama in the right field.

This gold dinar was sold for INR 3,20,000 in an auction of Todywalla Auction held in Mumbai on April 23, 2022.

Image Courtesy: Todywalla Auction