Ancient India Gupta Empire Silver Drachm of SkandaGupta Garuda Type
Comments
The Gupta emperors issued lead coins only after they conquered Gujarat, which had a long numismatic tradition of lead coins under the Western Kshatrapas. When Chandragupta II defeated the last Kshatrapa king Rudrasimha III, he started issuing lead coins with Garuda replacing the earlier bull symbol on obverse.Gupta lead coins with dates are rare. This specimen has a clear date - Gupta Era 146 (c. 455 AD).
Description
Obverse: Garuda standing facing, holding two snakes in his feet, and flanked by moon and sun symbols
Reverse: Brahmi legend Sri Skandaguptasya with date 146 below
Ref: J. Moller and M. Mitchiner, A
Exquisite
Ancient India Gupta Empire Silver Drachm of SkandaGupta Garuda Type
Comments
The Gupta emperors issued lead coins only after they conquered Gujarat, which had a long numismatic tradition of lead coins under the Western Kshatrapas. When Chandragupta II defeated the last Kshatrapa king Rudrasimha III, he started issuing lead coins with Garuda replacing the earlier bull symbol on obverse.Gupta lead coins with dates are rare. This specimen has a clear date - Gupta Era 146 (c. 455 AD).