Lot 1125 – Gupta Empire, Samudragupta, c. 335-375, AV dinar, 7.71 g. Javelin

Gupta Empire, Samudragupta, c. 335-375, AV dinar, 7.71 g. (20 mm). Obverse: ‘javelin’ type; king wearing cap with diadem, necklace, and long royal tunic, standing with dagger in his belt at his right hip, holding javelin with spearhead pointed down and sacrificing at altar, with Garuda standard in left field with only the top visible, Brahmi samudra below his left arm, circular Brahmi legend around beginning at 1 o’clock. Reverse: goddess Lakshmi enthroned with back of throne visible, with halo, holding diadem and cornucopia, Brahmi inscription at right, parakramah, tamgha left, dotted border around. Kumar, TOTGE 2024, Class II, variety D1. Raven, SG/group 4.

The type shows king with dagger on his right hip; many portraits of Samudragupta show the king carrying a dagger, but here it is unusually prominent.

VF-EF, light traces of lustre, some weakness from the strike on booth heads.

Ex Chand Collection British Museum no 1.9.16.