Lot 3615

Description

Chandragupta II, (c.A.D. 375-414), gold stater, (6.996 grams), Chattra type, BMC Type II, obv. king nimbate, standing to left, wearing Kushan style coat and trousers, casting incense on altar, with left hand on sword hilt, behind him a dwarf attendant, rev. goddess Lakshmi nimbate standing to left on pedestal holding fillet in outstretched right hand, and resting left hand on hip, to right the Brahmi legend, (Altekar Bayana hoard, cf.plate XV, 12-15. XVI, 1-4, BMC 106 [Pl.VIII, 6] from very similar dies, cf.M.4819-4820). Edge filed and smoothed, otherwise very fine and a rare type.

Both obverse and reverse are of fine workmanship. the figures are natural and relaxed, with the faces being distinct and individuated. The dwarf has the typical short legs and muscular upper torso one expects. This example demonstrates the apogee of Gupta numismatic art. A similar example was present in our sale 54 (lot 2006) and sale 56 (lot 1053).