Lot 2386

Description

Post Kushan-Indian issues of Yaudheya, (3rd-4th century A.D.), copper tetradrachms, obv. Karttikeya standing facing with distinctive trousers, arm on hips and other holding sceptre, legend around, rev. standing figure of deity, arm on hip, no legend, type 1 no lotus and nandipada symbols in field, type 2 with symbols, (M. 4707-4710 (2), 4711-4715 (5), Gobl Pl.175, No.17/1-2, similar dies). All cleaned, very good - nearly very fine, and rare. (7)

With the decline of Kushan influence in the Ganges valley this region again became the domain of individual city and tribal states, which were to endure until the rise of the Guptas in the 4th century A.D. The chief state in the west was the Republic of Yaudheyas. An extensive series was issued bearing the inscription 'Victory to the Yaudheya people'. The coinage was modelled on Kushan coins struck during Huvishka's reign. A detailed history of the Yaudheyas and their coinage is in Mitchiner p.590-592.