2026-11-05 Thu

Skandagupta (c. 455–467 CE) was one of the most prominent rulers of the Gupta Empire, renowned for his military achievements and efforts to preserve the empire during a challenging period. The son and successor of Kumaragupta I, he ascended the throne at a time when the Gupta Empire faced internal challenges and external threats. His reign is particularly remembered for successfully resisting invasions by the Hunas, thereby safeguarding the empire's territorial integrity and political stability.

Skandagupta's achievements are documented through important inscriptions, including the Bhitari Pillar Inscription and the Junagadh Rock Inscription. These records highlight his military prowess, royal authority and administrative accomplishments. His reign also witnessed the continuation of the Gupta tradition of issuing finely crafted gold coinage, celebrated for its artistic excellence and historical significance.

The featured gold dinar, weighing 8.46 g, belongs to the exceedingly rare King and Queen Type issued by Skandagupta.

The obverse depicts the king standing and facing Goddess Lakshmi. Bare-chested and adorned with a pearl necklace and armlets, King wears a dhoti, holds a bow in his left hand and rests his right hand on his hip. A Garuda standard (Garuda Dhwaja) stands between the two figures. Goddess Lakshmi, dressed in a saree, holds a lotus in her left hand and raises her right hand. The Brahmi inscription reads “Jayati Mahitalam Skandagupta Sudhanvi”, proclaiming Skandagupta's triumph over the earth as an accomplished archer.

The reverse features Goddess Lakshmi seated on a lotus, holding a lotus flower and a noose. The Brahmi legend “Sri Skandaguptah” appears to her right, accompanied by a Tamgha symbol. This remarkable coin reflects the Gupta Empire's artistic sophistication, religious symbolism and royal authority. The King and Queen Type is among the exceedingly rare varieties of Skandagupta's gold coinage, making this extremely fine specimen a significant numismatic treasure.