Lot 2357

Description

Skandagupta, (c.A.D. 455-480), gold stater, (6.48 grams), archer type, BMC Late Issue on heavy standard, obv. king nimbate, standing to left, wearing Kushan style coat and trousers, holding a bow in his left hand, and an arrow in his right hand, the Garuda-topped standard to left, 'Skanda' in Brahmi letters to his immediate right, around probably means 'The rajah Sri-Kramadityah, the benefactor of others, wins heaven', rev. goddess Lakshmi nimbate seated cross-legged facing on lotus, holding a lotus on knee, and a noose, symbol to upper left, to right the Brahmi legend 'Kramadityah (also a name for Skandagupta)', (Altekar cf.plate XIV, 9, BMC 426 [Pl.XIX, 11] from very similar dies, M.4865). Large flan, with some dirt inclusion, otherwise nearly extremely fine and rare.

Ex. Glendining's London, May 22, 1980, (lot 421 part). $$ Similar pieces sold up to US $880 each in the sale of Dr. Lawrence Brilliant Collection in Spink-Taisei Sale 9 in February 1991.