Gupta Dynasty, Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya) (375-415 CE), Gold Dinar, "Archer" type, Unusual Variety of Reverse Archer and Reverse Face, Obv: the king, bare-headed, standing to the right looking backward with his body turned one fourth to the left, nimbate, wearing janghia and sash on his upper torso, holding an arrow in his right hand and his left hand is seen holding the bow at the center from inside the string, the bow is reversed, Brahmi legend “Chandra" outside the bow-string, a Garuda standard on the left field, circular Brahmi legend "Devasrimaharajadhirajadhirajasri-Chandraguptah" around the field, Rev: the goddess Lakshmi, nimbate, facing forward and seated in the padmasana posture on a lotus, holding a diadem in her right hand and a lotus in her left, whose stem is coming from inside the hand resting on her thigh, a tamgha on the left field, the Brahmi legend "Sri Vikramah" on the right, a dotted border around the field, 7.72g, 19.0mm, (Altekar, Bayana Hoard # Pl. XIII-5/TOTGE, S. Kumar # Class III-Var. O), complete central struck, original luster, high relief, about uncirculated, Exceedingly Rare.

Note: Many coins attributed to Chandragupta II feature the king facing reverse, but this combination of reverse face and reverse archer type is seldom offered. The interesting fact to note here is that the bow is held by the king in reverse position, and his hand is coming within the bow and resting at the center of the bow. Usually what we see is the reverse-looking king with his hand going up and holding the bow from the top, the bow is seen resting on the shoulders of the king and if the reverse is observed, then the lotus stem will be seen going from inside the lower part of the hand to the top. The king’s position on this type makes this specimen amazing. Lovely artistic features overall on this beautiful specimen. Compared to previously known coins this specimen has most of its details intact.

BMC Catalog does not list this in their collection. This is a very interesting type that is missing from various collections. A similar coin was sold in our Auction 20 Lot 173 Rs. 4.75L.

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