Copper coins were not widely used during the Gupta reign. Chandragupta II seems to have tried to introduce the copper coins but due to the scarcity of the coin finds, it would seem that these coins were not widely accepted as a form of currency for daily business transactions.
Fa Hian, the Chinese pilgrim who toured thru India during the Gupta period, mentions seeing only cowries as a means of business transactions in the bazaars in Patliputra.
The copper coinage is original to the Gupta kings. The Reverse featured the Garuda Bird above and the legend below and Obverse featured:
1. Chattra Type 2. Archer Type 3. Bust of King Type 4. Vase Type 5. Chakra Type
The Shivlee Collection includes numerous coins in Copper (also Lead and Silver versions) and as they are photographed, they will also be added to these pages for future numimatic review.
CHANDRAGUPTA II COPPER COINS
CHANDRAGUPTA II COPPER COIN
Bust Type, Var. B
Bust of King with halo, facing left. Garuda bird shown on Reverse, below bird, Chandragupta.
2.74gm 15mm
CHANDRAGUPTA II COPPER COIN
Bust Type, Var B.
Obverse: Nimbate King (King with Halo) facing to the left. King's full body is shown three fourths facing left.
Reverse: Garuda Bird shown in outstretched wings.
Weight: 2.35gms, 15mm
CHANDRAGUPTA II COPPER COINS VASE TYPE
Copper coins Vase Type. Shows a vase with flowers on Obverse and Chandra on reverse.
Size range: 8mm - 9mm
Weight range: 0.48gm - 0.73gm
CHANDRAGUPTA II LEAD COIN
Lead Coin
Sri Vikrama on Reverse. Garuda Bird on Obverse.
From the Malwa region - Published in the Oriental Numismatic Society Newsletter #57, Dec 1978, Nos. 1-4 - Ex. William Spengler
