Lot 10153 – Gupta Empire, Kumaragupta, c. 415-455, kartikeya, AV dinar, 8.07 g.

Gupta Empire, Kumaragupta, c. 415-455, AV dinar, 8.07 g. (19 mm). Obverse: ‘Kartikeya’ or peacock type, king standing left, one hand on hip, feeding peacock at left, circular Brahmi legend around. Reverse: Kartikeya seated on peacock to left, holding spear with left hand, right hand outstretched, perhaps dropping incense on an altar, Brahmi legend at right, Mahendrakumara. Kumar TOTGE 2024, Class I. Kumar notes 96 specimens known, p. 391.

F-VF.

A remarkably innovative design unique to the reign of Kumaragupta, showing the king feeding a peacock and, on the reverse, Kartikeya, son of Shiva and the god of war, seated on a peacock. It is possible that Kumaragupta felt a special affinity to this god who was also known as Kumara. A rare coin.

Ex Chand Collection 3.1.66