Gupta Dynasty, Samudragupta (345-375 CE), Gold Dinar, "Ashvamedha" type, Obv: a sacrificial horse standing facing left, behind a sacrificial post (Yupa), which is shown as an elaborate stand with streamers and ribbons flying in the wind; the Yupa has an ornamental pedestal with two steps which are slightly bent in towards the center, the Brahmi letter 'Si' (Siddam) placed on the platform between the horse legs, the Brahmi legend "Raja(dhiraja prithivim vijitya) divam jayatyahru(ta vajimedha)" around the field, Rev: the chief queen in the guise of a goddess standing facing left on a nine-petaled lotus-shaped pedestal, carrying a fly-whisk (Chauri) that rests on her shoulder in right hand, and holding a towel in her left, the Brahmi legend "Ashvame(dha Para)kramah" in the right field and a ritual needle (Soochi/ceremonial spear with ribbons) in the left field, beaded border around the field, 7.48g, 19.79mm, (Altekar, Bayana Hoard # Pl. V-4/Unlisted in TGE, S. Kumar), about very fine, Extremely Rare.

Note: The Ashvamedha was one of the grandest of the Vedic religious ceremonies of ancient India, and was performed by a king to celebrate or, to be more precise, affirm their imperial sovereignty. The ceremony is described in detail in various Vedic writings, particularly the Shatapatha Brahmana.

This coin showcases an intriguing aspect, being struck in a distinct style that omits the handle of the fly-whisk (Chauri) held by the goddess in her right hand. It adds an interesting variety for collectors of Gupta coins.

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