GUPT-24 Click on image for enlargement.

Indian Coins, Gupta. Kumaragupta I , 415-455 AD, Gold Dinar 8.38 g. 19 mm. die-axis 12 o'clock. Tiger-slayer type.

Obverse: Part of legend around SRI MAHENDRA VYAGHRA BALA PARAKRAMAH in Gupta-Bramhi script, the glorious king whose strength a valour is like that of a tiger. King with halo around head facing left, is shown very muscular and wearing a waistcloth with sash flying behind, necklace, head-dress and armlets. Holding a bow in right hand and with left hand raised above shrouder shooting a tiger in left field, minor deposits.

Reverse: KUMARAGUPTO DHIRAJA in Gupta-Bramhi script, the supreme king Kumaragupta. Goddess Ganga with halo around head standing on the back of a makara (elephant-head crocodile) facing left wearing lower garments, a shawl and jewellery. Leaning down, she holds a lotus in left hand and with right hand feed a peacock. In left field a royal symbol (tamgha) at top left, a border of dots, minor deposits.



          The coin is die-identical with the specimen in the collection of the National Museum, New Delhi, India. (51.77/55).

          There are several vareities of this type.

          A very rare genuine gold coin of the Gupta Imperial mints, solid gold coin not a filled metal electrotypes / reproductions.