INDIA, Post-Mauryan (Malwa). Ujjain. AE (Bronze, 16x19 mm, 7.26 g), circa 2nd century BC. Lord Shiva as Mahakal standing facing on the right; on the left, the bull Nandi, his companion, standing to right; between them, tree in railing; in upper field to left, Indra-Dhvaja; below, river with fish. Rev. Four-orbed Ujjain symbol with a taurine in each angle. cf. Pieper 321-322 (without Indra-Dhavaja). Very rare. Minor corrosion spots, otherwise, very fine.


This large and heavy issue shows the inseparable couple Shiva and Nandi, as well as the sacred Bodhi tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment.