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Auction 21155 16 Dec 2021
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(x) Kushan Empire, 'Samudra' (c. 350-375), gold Dinar, 7.58g, nimbate king standing left, making offerings at a small altar left, holding ribboned standard right, trident above altar left, letter pu by altar, sa mu dra under arm right, ga da kha ra far right, rev. Ardoksho enthroned facing (Göbl 611; MAC 3599-3601), about very fine, an unusual and intriguing coin.
This coin may have been issued by an usurper who is unknown apart from his coins. It could also, as Mitchiner suggests, have been struck in tribute of their neighbour, Samudragupta, or to be circulated in areas with links to Gupta rule. Göbl argued for a field commander striking on behalf of Samudragupta in a region which had not yet been incorporated into the Gupta realm, but where Kushan dinars would have been the accepted currency. It has several stylistic incongruities compared with traditional Kushan numismatic iconography, particularly in reference to the kingly figure who is presented in the style of Gupta kings.
Estimate: £400 - £500
This coin may have been issued by an usurper who is unknown apart from his coins. It could also, as Mitchiner suggests, have been struck in tribute of their neighbour, Samudragupta, or to be circulated in areas with links to Gupta rule. Göbl argued for a field commander striking on behalf of Samudragupta in a region which had not yet been incorporated into the Gupta realm, but where Kushan dinars would have been the accepted currency. It has several stylistic incongruities compared with traditional Kushan numismatic iconography, particularly in reference to the kingly figure who is presented in the style of Gupta kings.
Estimate: £400 - £500