Lot 1242 – Gupta Empire, Srivikrama-Vikramadityah, c. early-6th century, AV dinar, 9.28 g. Archer

Gupta Empire, Huna kings, Srivikrama-Vikramadityah, c. early-6th century, AV dinar, 9.28 g. (21 mm). Obverse: ‘archer’ type, king with stacked, delicate curls and tall, finely-detailed face, wearing tailed tunic over pleated loin cloth and a sash tied with a wide loop at the waist, standing left, holding longbow in left hand, arrow in right, slender Garuda standard with good detail at left, Brahmi letter pa sits above the king’s left hand. Reverse: Lakshmi with heavy pleating on her hip cloth seated facing with folded legs on lotus, holding diadem and long-stemmed lotus left, tamgha to left, Brahmi legend to right srivikramah, part dotted border around. Raven, SRV/group 1.

A very fine coin from the reign of Srivikrama-Vikramadityah (for a time attributed by scholars to Budhagupta), a ruler (possibly Huna) from about the early part of the 6th century. Characteristic features of this type are the long and very stiff legs on the depiction of the king, and the loop to king’s left side.

AU, sharp and impressive, sharp details and attractive appearance all around, nice and appealing lustrous surfaces.

Ex Chand Collection British Museum no 4.99.78.