Lot 1209 – Gupta Empire, Kumaragupta I, c. 415-455, AV dinar, 8.07 g. Kartikeya

Gupta Empire, Kumaragupta I, c. 415-455, AV dinar, 8.07 g. (20 mm). Obverse: ‘Kartikeya’ or peacock type. Tall king wearing loin cloth and sash standing left, feeding a twig of fruits to peacock at left, circular Brahmi legend around. Reverse: Kartikeya seated on peacock to left, standing on rocky outcrop, holding spear with left hand, right hand outstretched, scattering coins, with a tamgha upper left (exceptional in this type), Brahmi legend at right, mahendrakumarah. Kumar, TOTGE 2024, Class I. Kumar notes 96 specimens known, p. 391. Raven, KG1/group 3.

A remarkably innovative design unique to the reign of Kumaragupta, showing the king feeding a peacock and, on the reverse, Kartikeya, son of Shiva and the Hindu god of war, seated on a peacock. It is possible that Kumaragupta felt a special affinity to this god because he was also known as Kumara. This variety with tamgha on the reverse is extremely rare.

VF, well-defined features, good appearance and showing strong facial details on both sides.

Ex Chand Collection British Museum no 2.3.12.