Lot 713

Description

Vasu Deva I, (c.A.D. 195-230), gold quarter stater or quarter dinar, (2.0 grams), obv. king standing, head turned left, holding tall standard in left hand, sacrificing with right hand over cylindrical altar, trident symbol with ribbons upper left, rev. god (Siva) with two arms, standing alone, facing holding trident and wreath, before downwards OHPO, (cf.Gobl 529/516 [very similar dies], cf.M.3398). Good very fine and extremely rare, a variant previously unpublished.

The trident with ribbons attached is known for the obverse die of fractional pieces like this struck under Vasu Deva II (Gobl 529, 530), however staters were issued under Vasu Deva I with this additional symbol. All these pieces have the Siva and bull reverse. The period is blurred and it would seem that the coin was a transitional or mule issue of the two main obverse types. The reverse however is very rare and only known from four examples according to Gobl, issued during the reign of Vasu Deva I.