Lot 1108 – Gupta Empire, Samudragupta, c. 335-375, AV dinar 7.58 g. Horse

Gupta Empire, Samudragupta, c. 335-375, AV dinar 7.58 g. (20 mm). Obverse: Asvamedha (horse sacrifice) type; sacrificial horse standing left on podium with crescent above the back, yupa (sacrificial post) in front, Brahmi legend around largely off flan and si below horse. Reverse: Rajya Lakshmi standing left on lotus with standard beside, holding towel or diadem in left hand, and fly whisk in right, Brahmi legend at right; asvamedhaparakramah (‘with the bold advance of one (powerful enough to perform) an Asavamedha’), dotted border around. Kumar, TOTGE 2024, class I. Raven, SG/group 4.

This variety shows an extra step on the platform on obverse, the purpose of which is unknown.

About VF, well-struck and with rich details on the horse.

Ex Chand Collection British Museum no 6.3.32.