INDIA, Gupta Empire. First Dynasty. Chandragupta II Vikramaditya, circa 380-413. Dinar (Gold, 18 mm, 7.70 g, 12 h). 'PARAMABHAGAVATO MAHARAJADHIRAJA SRI CHANDRAGUPTAH' ('The highest stage Devotee of Vishnu, the King of Kings, Lord Chandragupta' in Brahmi) Chandragupta II seated facing on jewelled couch, head turned to lower left, bare chested and with curly hair, wearing a dhoti and large earrings, holding flower bud in his right hand and leaning with his left elbow on the back of the couch; below, uncertain vessel. Rev. 'VIKRAMADITYAH' (in Brahmi) Goddess, nimbate, seated left with crossed legs on a cushion placed on a backless couch, her hair is tied up in a bum, wearing large earrings and an arm band, holding lotus flower in hier right hand and placing her left on couch. Kumar, p. 169, group 2. Extremely rare, only two examples listed by Kumar. Struck on a slightly short flan and with some light nicks, otherwise, about very fine.



This fascinating and important type depicts the greatest of all Gupta kings, Chandragupta, in a relaxed, but focused pose, possibly performing an offering or ritual involving a flower bud and a vessel.