2017-04-26 Wed

Gupta is known for its ‘rain of gold’ but they also issued few of the outstanding silver coins.

The given tiny piece of silver coin was sold for INR 1500 in Todywalla auctions on 21st April 2017.

This coin was issued by Skandgupta, the last powerful ruler of Gupta Dynasty. The obverse of it depicts the bust of the ruler facing right. The reverse depicts a fire altar at the center and legend ‘Parambhagavata Maharajadhiraja Skandagupta Kramaditya’ around it.

Skandagupta issued five types of gold coins (Archer type, King and queen type, Chhatra type, Lion-slayer type and Horseman type) and four types of silver coins (Garuda type, Bull type, Altar type and Madhyadesha type).

The reign of Skandagupta is a striking period in the history of ancient India, probably because of the Hun invasion. Moreover, the chief credit of Skandagupta lies in his conquest against the Huns. There is a reference of the Hun invasion in the 8th stanza of the Bhitari Pillar inscription. The most formidable war of Skandagupta in his reign was against the Huns, for which he is legendary. However since the inscriptions do not provide any valid date of the invasion, there are enough controversies regarding the time of the Hun assault!

To gaze at the other coins of Gupta Dynasty click here.