Lot 1134 – Gupta Empire, Samudragupta, c. 335-375, AV dinar, 7.65 g. Lyrist

Gupta Empire, Samudragupta, c. 335-375, AV dinar, 7.65 g. (23 mm). Obverse: ‘lyrist’ type; king wearing high cap with beaded lace and necklace, seated left on a couch with a tall raised back, playing the vina musical instrument, circular Brahmi inscription around, Brahmi si below couch. Reverse: goddess Lakshmi seated left on a stool with a tall upright back, holding diadem and cornucopia, Brahmi legend at right samudraguptah, dotted border around. Kumar, TOTGE 2024, variety A.1 Raven, SG/group 3. Very rare.

This rare and desirable lyrist type was unique to Samudragupta and Kumaragupta I, who were eager to profile themselves as supporters of the arts and accomplished musicians. This particular variety is characterized by having no tamgha in front of Lakshmi’s face and showing the couch back behind the goddess on reverse. According to Kumar, Treasures of the Gupta Empire, only 98 coins of the lyre type are known (p. 271).

EF details, large flan, lustrous surfaces, well-defined features, test cut on obverse at 2 o’clock that evolves into small scratch.

Ex Chand Collection British Museum no 6.3.31.