Lot 1273 – Samatata Kingdom, Chahamanas of Sakambhari, Vigraharaja IV, c. 1150-1164, AV dinar, 4.03 g.

Samatata Kingdom, Chahamanas of Sakambhari, Vigraharaja IV, c. 1150-1164, AV dinar, 4.03 g. (18 mm). Obverse: Lord Rama, nimbate, holding arrow in right hand, bow in his left hand, standing amongst the trees and vines, with the hamsa bird to the left, the lotus right, and the legend sri rama. Reverse: Devanagari legend srimad vigraharaja deva.

An sound example of this exceedingly scarce coin, known in only very few examples. The obverse image, with Rama portrayed with a monkey face, reflects the 14 years that Rama sought the monkeys’ assistance while wandering in the jungles searching for his lost consort Sita. In the David Feldman Silk Road Collection, autumn 2024, we sold a similar example, albeit in a superior condition, for hammer price 55.000 CHF.

About VF, lustre shows through, with clearly legible scripts on both sides.

Ex Chand Collection British Museum no 2.5.14.