Lot 76

Ancient, Guptas, Skandagupta (455-467 AD), Archer type, Gold Dinar, 8.98 gms, 18.27 mm, Obverse: King standing with his right arm outstretched holding an arrow, Garuda standard behind right arm, his left arm is holding a bow, Brahmi legend ‘Skanda’ below his left arm, Brahmi legend around the coin’s border, Reverse: Goddess Lakshmi seated facing on a lotus, holding a diadem in her right arm and a lotus stalk in her left arm, Brahmi legend ‘Kramaditya‘ in right field, Shankanidhi motif with pearls shown as dots above right hand of Goddess, Skandagupta’s coinage is particularly significant because it was issued on two different weight standards—the older lighter standard and the later, heavier suvarna standard—reflecting a transition in Gupta monetary policy. These gold dinars are therefore highly prized by collectors for their exceptional artistry, strong historical importance, and intrinsic gold value., S. Gupta, TOTGE # (2nd Ed.), pg. 436, Archer Type, Class II, Variety C, very fine, extremely rare.