"Gupta Coinage" by Vincent Arthur Smith, published in 1892, is a comprehensive study of the coinage from the Gupta Empire, which flourished in ancient India. Here’s a brief overview of the book:Overview Author: Vincent Arthur Smith Publication Date: 1892 Subject: Numismatics of the Gupta Empire, a significant ancient Indian empire known for its flourishing art and culture. Key Points Historical Context: Smith provides a detailed historical backdrop of the Gupta Empire, outlining its significance in Indian history and the role of coinage as a historical source.Types of Coins: The book categorizes and describes various types of Gupta coins, including their designs, legends, and iconography. Gupta coinage is known for its diverse and rich artistic expression, reflecting the empire's prosperity.Rulers and Their Coinage: The work offers insights into the different Gupta rulers and how their coinage reflects their reigns and achievements. It includes biographical sketches and discusses how the coins can be used to understand historical events.Minting Techniques: Smith examines the techniques and processes involved in the minting of Gupta coins, providing details on the craftsmanship and technology of the period.Inscriptions and Legends: The book analyzes the inscriptions and legends found on Gupta coins, interpreting their significance and what they reveal about the empire's administration, culture, and religious practices.Comparative Analysis: There is a comparative analysis with other contemporary coinages, which helps place Gupta coins in a broader numismatic and historical context.Appendices and Index: The book includes appendices with additional notes and references, as well as an index for ease of navigation.Significance Vincent Arthur Smith’s "Gupta Coinage" remains a foundational text in the study of ancient Indian numismatics. Its detailed examination of Gupta coins provides valuable insights into the economic, political, and cultural aspects of the Gupta Empire. The work is notable for its thorough documentation and scholarly approach to the subject.

"Gupta Coinage" by Vincent Arthur Smith, first published in 1892, is a seminal work on the subject of Gupta coins and their historical context. Here’s the table of contents from the 1892 edition:IntroductionGeneral remarks on the Gupta Empire The importance of coinage for historical study The Coinage of the Gupta PeriodOverview of the types and varieties of Gupta coins Detailed description of different coin types The History of Gupta CoinageHistorical context of Gupta rulers Development and changes in coinage through different reigns The Rulers of the Gupta EmpireBiographical sketches of major Gupta rulers Analysis of their coinage and its significance The Minting Processes and TechniquesMethods and techniques used in Gupta coin production Observations on the quality and craftsmanship of Gupta coins Numismatic Inscriptions and LegendsExamination of inscriptions on Gupta coins Interpretation of the legends and their historical significance Comparative Analysis with Other Contemporary CoinagesComparison with coinages of neighboring regions and empires Influence and interaction between different numismatic traditions AppendicesAdditional notes and references Tables and charts related to Gupta coinage