Lot 6

Ancient, Post Kidarite Series, Kritavirya (c. 7th Century AD), Gold (electrum) Dinara, 7.82 gms, 19.02 mm, Obverse: Diademed and robed king standing facing to his right, holding a standard in his left arm and sacrificing at altar with his right arm, Trishul above his right arm, Brahmi legend ‘Kidara’ written vertically under his left arm, Reverse: Enthroned Goddess Ardoksho (Lakshmi) seated facing, holding diadem and cornucopia, Brahmi legend ‘Kritavirya’ in extreme right field, Tamgha at left, A choice specimen with clear legends. This coin is part of an enigmatic post Kidara gold dinara series believed to be minted at Kashmir and Taxila. Other names such as Vishvama, Kupama, Prakasha, Shahi, Pravarasena, Kapana and Sailanaviryaalso occur in this series. By way of provenance, the coin being offered here belongs to the ‘Taxila’ sub-series, Reference: # Deyell-Treasure, Trade & Tradition-pg.27, very fine, very rare.