INDIA, Post-Gupta (Ganges Valley). Vardhanas of Thanesar and Kanauj. Harshavardhana (Harsha), circa 606-647. Drachm (Silver, 15 mm, 2.24 g, 12 h). Head of Harshavardhana to left, wearing diadem surmounted by crescent. Rev. VIJITA VANIR AVANIPATI SRI SILADITYA DIVAM JAYATIANA (‘Siladitya, Lord of the Earth, having conquered the Earth, wins over Heaven' in Brahmi) Fan-tailed peacock standing front, head to left, tail in splendor. Pieper 928. Very rare in this condition. Somewhat cleaned and with minor areas of weakness, otherwise, good very fine.


Harshavardhana undoubtedly earns his place in the pantheon of India's greatest rulers, as north and northwestern India enjoy a time of prosperity and great achievements in arts and sciences during his long reign, with Harshavardhana being a renowned poet himself.