A Masterpiece of Gupta Artistry – The Finest Known Gold Dinar of the Gupta Dynasty, Kumaragupta I, Horseman Type Depicting the Goddess Holding a Lotus – Plate Specimen

The obverse legend reads “Prithvitalambarasasi Kumaragupto Jayatyajitah” (
पृथ्वीतालंबरससि कुमारगुप्तो जयात्यजितः), which translates to “Invincible Kumaragupta, a veritable Indra upon the surface of the earth, conquers.” This eloquent Sanskrit phrase exalts the emperor’s divine authority and unassailable power, equating him with Indra, the celestial king of gods.

The reverse bears the succinct yet powerful title “Ajitamahendrah” (अजितमहेन्द्रः), meaning “The Unconquered Great Lord.” This inscription further reinforces Kumaragupta’s image as the invincible sovereign, celebrated not only for his military prowess but also for his divine mandate to rule.

Together, these legends encapsulate the Gupta ideal of Chakravartin, the universal ruler.

Auctioneer’s Note on the Quality of this Coin:

This exceptional gold dinar represents one of the most artistically accomplished and visually striking creations of the Gupta era - the celebrated Horseman type featuring the Goddess holding a lotus. The coin stands out for its meticulous execution, balance of form, and extraordinary preservation, embodying the pinnacle of Gupta craftsmanship.

On the reverse, the Goddess appears in her most majestic form, gracefully holding a long-stemmed lotus. Every detail - from the maang-tika–style crown, necklace, armlets, waist belt, bangles, and anklets - is rendered with exquisite clarity, revealing the engraver’s mastery of both artistic and devotional symbolism.

The obverse portrays the King mounted on a richly adorned royal horse, symbolizing imperial strength and divine sanction. The King’s jewelry and the horse’s trappings - including reins, saddle, cloth, and intricately plaited mane - are engraved with lifelike precision, making this one of the most aesthetically refined examples known.

As recorded by S. Kumar in The Gupta Empire, this specimen is a Plate Coin, illustrated on page 312, Class II-2. Among the 697 Horseman-type coins documented, only four of this Class II type are known: one in the British Museum, one in the National Museum, and two in private collections, including this very coin.

The coin’s razor-sharp strike, deep golden hue, and perfectly centered impression elevate it to the highest tier of Gupta numismatic artistry. Missing from even the most advanced Gupta collections, this specimen is not only a numismatic rarity but also a visual testament to the imperial grandeur and divine ideology of the Golden Age of India.

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