This lone specimen was discovered along with a group of 24 Ramagupta copper coins. The largest single Ramagupta coin hoard found so far.
This coin below is the first coin known to exist in Copper. No doubt during his brief reign, he did issue various types of copper coins. Unlike copper coins issued by Chandragupta II or Ramagupta Copper coins, this coin shows a slender sleek horse on the Obverse.
On the Reverse, the legend reads Ra Ma Gu.
Weight of this coin is 0.6gms and was similar in weight range to other Ramagupta coins ranging in weights from 0.5gms to 0.7gms found as part of this one group.
All of the rest of the Ramagutpa coins in this group weigh between 0.5gms to 1.8gms. The low weight of the coins is mostly due to the fact that they have been worn down due to extensive use and oxidation caused by being buried in the ground for over 1700+ years.
The sleek horse is shown standing to the left, with a Yupa and a tapered base. Pennons flying over the horse.
This Asvamedha style of horse very closely resembles a sub variety of the Samudragupta Asvamedha type, images are shown below for reference.
Question arises as to why Ramagupta issued an Asvamedha coin in Copper. All of the known Asvamedha coins known from the Gupta Empire are in Gold.
KACHAGUPTA COPPER COIN
Many thanks for helping with the Attribution of this coin to: Dr. Dilip Rajgor Director, Dinesh Mody Institute for Numismatics and Archaeology, University of Mumbai
