Lot 10173 – Gupta Empire, Purugupta (?), c. 467-473, archer, AV dinar, 9.44 g.

Gupta Empire, Purugupta (?), c. 467-473, AV dinar, 9.44 g. (20 mm). Obverse: ‘archer’ type; king standing left, sword at side, holding arrow in right hand, left hand holding bow at top; behind to left, Garuda standard, crescent before king’s face, circular Brahmi legend around. Reverse: Lakshmi seated facing on lotus, holding diadem and long-stemmed lotus left, tamgha to left, Brahmi legend to right. VF, good details.It remains uncertain if Purugupta, the son of Kumaragupta, issued coins, or indeed if he ever ruled. We draw on the information on the Coinindia website, as well as research of the collection at the British Museum, for the identification of this issue which was produced to the late high-weight standard.Ex Chand Collection 5.1.57