Coins of the Archer Type of Samudragupta are very rare. They are frequently mistaken for the common Archer Type coins of Chandragupta II. From a study of their design, style, fabric - it's apparent that these coins were struck during the early stages of Gupta Empire while the mint masters were still trying to refine the styling and design.
King Samudragupta is shown as a young man on all of the coins of this type (as compared to coins of the Lyrist type where he is shown as a older person). These coins were most definately struck during the early stage of his campaign to conquer majority of the neighboring Kingdoms to unite them under a new unified Empire - the start of what was to finally become the magnificient Gupta Empire.
Class I, Variety A
Obverse: King Samudragupta is shown facing to the left, facing the Garuda Bird - the soverign symbol of the Gupta Empire. He holds the bow at the top with his left hand and an arrow in his right hand. The King is shown on this coin with long flowing hair. A crescent is shown above the King's head. Under Kings left arm - Samudra.
Circular legend at IX: ...tair divam jayati.
Reverse: Goddess Lakshmi shown seated on a bench with a pillow with lathe carved legs. It is important to note that on this coin, the bench does not have a back. Most coins of this variety has a Bench with a high back. Goddess is holding a cornucopiae in left hand and ribbons in right hand. Apratirathah 'Matchless Chariot Warrior'
Weight 7.60gms.
SAMUDRAGUPTA ARCHER COIN
Samudragupta Archer
Class I, Variety A
Obverse: Apratiratho vijitya kshitim sucharitair divam jayati 'Having conquered the earth, the invincible one wins heaven by meritorios deeds'
Samudra Archer Reverse
samudragupta archer
Var A 7.55gm
Note: Crescent over Garuda Bird
samudara archer
Samudra Archer Obv
Archer Class I, Var. B
Very rare variety.
Obverse legend: Apratiratho vajitya kshtamavaniso divam jayati 'Having conquered the earth, the lord of the earth wins heaven by meritorious deeds'
Also - note on obverse - Crescent above Garuda bird
Reverse: Note that this is the first coin to show Lakshmi seated in the Arddhaprayanka pose (left foot tucked under her, right foot hanging down).. See also CII, Archer, Class II, Variety G.
Samudragupta Archer Rev
Image:
Images and design copyright Shivlee Collection
A comprehensive collection of rare gold coins from the Gupta Empire of India.
