INDIA, Gupta Empire. First Dynasty. Samudragupta, circa 335-380. Dinar (Gold, 21 mm, 7.41 g, 12 h), Asvamedha type. RAJADHIRAJAH PRITHIVIMATIVA DIVAM JAYATYAHRITAVAJIMEDHAH ('The King of Kings, who had performed the Vajimedha (Asvamedha) sacrifice, wins heaven after protecting the earth' in Brahmi) Horse standing to left, draped with jewels and pearls; before him, Yupa decorated with banners and ribbons (sacrificial post); below horse, 'SI' (in Brahmi). Rev. ASVAMEDHA PARAKRAMAH ('He who bears the title of Parakramah as a result of his performance of the Asvamedha sacrifice' in Brahmi) Rajya Lakshmi (the Goddess of Sovereignty) standing front, head to left, holding a chauri (fly whisk) with her right hand over her right shoulder and letting some coins fall out of her left. Kumar, Class I, variety A.1. Light scratches and with minor nicks, otherwise, good fine.


This issue was struck to commemorate the participation of Samudragupta in the holy Vedic ceremony of Asvamedha.