GUPT-18 Click on image for enlargement.

Indian Coins, Gupta. Kumaragupta I , 415-455 AD, Gold Dinar (8.21 grams; 17.2 mm.), die-axis 12 o'clock. The rhinoceros-slayer type.

Obverse: Part of legend around BHARTA KHADGATRATA KUMARAGUPTO JAYATYANISAM in Gupta-Bramhi script, ever victorious is the lord Kumaragupta who is khadgattrata, protector by the sword from the rhinoceros. King riding a caparisoned horse to right, wearing a decorated coat and trousers. Holds a sword in right hand which is pointed towards a rhinoceros in the right field.

Reverse: SRI MAHENDRA KHADGAH in Gupta-Bramhi script, rhinoceros killed by king Mahendra. Goddess Ganga standing facing, head left, wearing lower garments, shawl and jewellery. She stands on a makara (elephant-head crocodile) which offers a lotus with it trunk to ganga (the river). In right field an small attendant standing behind, holds a chattra (parasol) above Ganga. In right field a royal symbol (tamgha) right. Surrounded by a border of dots.



          The coin is die-identical with the specimen in the collection of the National Museum, New Delhi, India. (51.50.52).

          This extremely rare type is genuine gold coin of the Imperial mints, solid gold not a filled metal electrotypes / reproductions.