2017-10-26 Thu

Gupta coins are the yellow marvel! Each and every coin has a beauty in it. They are indeed one of the most renowned coins in the world.

Kumaragupta (c.415 to 455 AD) succeeded his father Chandragupta II. Kumaragupta’s gold coins are considered as some of the finest examples of Indian numismatic art. He also issued a large silver coinage, some very rare coins in copper and lead. He issued Archer Type, Horseman Type, Lion-slayer Type, Tiger-slayer Type, Rhinoceros-slayer Type, Elephant- rider Type, Swordsman Type, Karttikeya Type, Apratigha Type, Lyrist Type, Western Type and Madhyadesha Type.

The given Gold Dinar in the image is a Horseman Type. The obverse depicts a King seated on a horse, holding a bow. The reverse has Lakshmi seated left on a wicker stool, holding lotus and feeding grapes to peacock at left with a Brahmi legend 'Ajitamahendra'. This was sold for INR 32,000 in Classical Numismatic Gallery. This type of Lakshmi feeding peacock is very rare to see, isn’t this piece worth glancing at?

In our previous article, we saw the coins of Samudragupta and Chandragupta II. In the next trivia, we will see various animals and birds on Gupta coins. Till then stay excited and keep in touch with us!