2017-03-27 Mon

We see all round Progress in the field of art, architecture, literature, science, economic and trade during the Gupta Period, so there is no wonder why it is called Classical Era in Indian History. It is merely impossible that we talk about the classical era and not discuss their outstanding coinage!

Their coinage reached the height of metallurgy and iconography. After Indo-Greeks and Kushan coins, the Gupta coins make a huge come back with the true Indian taste in it. Being Indigenous they portray the king, queen, and deities with Indian attire and lots of grace in it.

People usually think that Gupta’s only issued Gold coins, however, this is not the case as they also issued Silver, Copper and Lead coins.

Samudra Gupta being the first able ruler of the Gupta Dynasty issued only gold coins while Chandra Gupta II was the one who started issuing Silver coins. Kumar Gupta I tried experimenting new variations in coins with the existing ones.

Summarizing the coinage of the Gupta Dynasty we see the various types of coins – King and Queen Type, Chakradhvaja type, Standard type, Ashvamedha type, Battleaxe type, Lyrist type, Tiger slayer, Chhatra type, Archer type, Couch type, Horseman type, Lion slayer, Madhyadesha type, Elephant rider type, Apratigha type, Kartikeya type, Elephant rider and Lion slayer type and Rhinoceros slayer type . The Gupta coins are one of the best and well executed in their designs that we ever see!

No wonder why collectors and historians are fascinated by Gupta Coinage. Aren’t you in love their coinage?