Lot 2

Ancient, Gujarat Region, Western Kshatrapas, Kardamaka Dynasty, Chastana, (78-130 AD), Bronze Unit, 1.41 gms, 11.70x12.73 mm, Obverse: Bold Sun and Moon motifs attributable to Chastana, Reverse: Lion and Wheel standards on a common platform, This is a rare bronze coin attributable to Chastana. The coin is interesting in that it shows on the reverse, the lion and wheel standards of the earlier Kshaharata dynasty. The reason for the inclusion of motifs of the earlier Kshaharata dynasty by Chastana of the Kardamaka dynasty is unclear. One possibility is that Chastana being the first ruler of the Kardamaka dynasty wanted to claim legitimacy of rule by portraying Kshaharata dynasty’s motifs, Unlisted in Major Sources, about very fine, extremely rare.