Lot 1093 – Gupta Empire, Chandragupta I, c. 319-335, AV dinar, 7.61 g. King and Queen

Gupta Empire, Chandragupta I, c. 319-335, AV dinar, 7.61 g. (20 mm). Obverse: ‘king and queen’ type; king standing at right, queen at left both with halo and crescent between them, facing each other, king holding up right hand offering a ring(?) and holding a crescent staff in left hand (with crescent top being off flan), part of the name of queen on left, srikumaradevi, Brahmi legend right chandra. Reverse: goddess enthroned facing, seated on lion facing right, holding diadem and cornucopia, tamgha to left, Brahmi inscription at right, lichchhavayah, dotted border around. Kumar, TOTGE 2024, Class I. Raven, SG/group 1.

An attractive example of the famous and rare ‘king and queen’ type, most likely a commemorative coin in the name of Chandragupta, as it bears the name of this king. It was probably struck by his son, Samudragupta.

VF-EF, some lustre shows through.

Ex Chand Collection British Museum no 1.8.19