Lot 134

Ancient, possible Huns issue in Gupta territory, Vikramadityah (c. late 5th Century AD), Archer type, Gold Dinar, 9.11 gms, 21.65 mm, Obverse: King standing with his right arm outstretched holding an arrow, wearing Kushana style clothing, Garuda standard behind his right arm, his left arm is holding a bow, Brahmi legend around the coin border reading 'Parahitaka....Vikramaditya', Reverse: Goddess Lakshmi (Ardoksho) seated facing in padmasana on a lotus, holding a diadem in her right arm and a lotus stalk in her left arm, Diamond shaped Tamgah at left, Brahmi legend ‘Shri Vikramah‘ in right field, S. Gupta, in his book (TOTGE) notes the difference in the depiction of the king on this coin type. The depiction is not in tribhanga pose seen normally on Gupta issues, instead, the entire body is straight/stiff. The author opines that coins of this type could have been Huna issues in lands conquered from the Guptas. Further, the author has noted only two coins of this type, making them exceptionally rare. Reference: S. Gupta, TOTGE (2nd Ed), pg. 474, #937, Archer Type, about very fine, exceptionally rare.