Lot 1103 – Gupta Empire, Samudragupta, c. 335-375, AV dinar, 7.47 g. Battle Axe

Gupta Empire, Samudragupta, c. 335-375, AV dinar, 7.47 g. (19 mm). Obverse: ‘battle axe’ type; king wearing tunic over loin cloth, with dagger on belt, standing left holding an axe in left hand and right hand on hip, attendant at left holding crescent-topped standard, Brahmi inscription samudra, circular Brahmi legend around beginning at 1 o’clock. Reverse: goddess Lakshmi enthroned facing, feet resting on a lotus with ten petals, holding diadem and cornucopia, tamgha left, Brahmi legend krtantaparasuh, dotted border around. Kumar, TOTGE 2024, class II. Raven, SG/group 2.

This very rare battle axe type carries a Brahmi inscription of the king’s name Samudra and it shows the goddess sitting on a lotus of ten petals. An extremely rare variety.

Fine+,

Ex Chand Collection British Museum no 1.11.07.