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.
SAMUDRAGUPTA ARCHER COIN
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 either long flowing hair or the tails of the royal diedem wrapped around the head. 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 diadem in right hand. Apratirathah 'Matchless Chariot Warrior'
Weight 7.60gms.
SAMUDRAGUPTA ARCHER COIN
Class I, Variety A
Obverse: The King is shown on this coin with a diadem around the head with tails of the diadem flowing behind his head. Under Kings left arm - Samudra.
Circular legend at IX: ...vijitya...
Reverse: Goddess Lakshmi shown seated on a four legged throne without a high back and pillows depicted with round dots.
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 diadem in right hand. Apratirathah 'Matchless Chariot Warrior'
Samudragupta Archer Type Coin- Class I Variety B
CLASS I, Variety B
Very early style and a unique design. King Samudragupta is shown wearing shorts, holding a long bow and a long arrow. Similar style and die design also exists in the Sceptre (Standard) type coins of Samudragupta. Note - Crescent above Garuda.
Reverse shows the Goddess seated on a couch with no back. Weight 7.50gms
SAMUDRAGUPTA ARCHER COIN
Class I, Variety B
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 or possibly with the tails of diedem off the back of the head. A crescent is shown above the Garuda's head. Under Kings left arm - Samudra.
Circular legend at IX: ...vaniso divam...
Reverse: Goddess Lakshmi shown seated on a throne with four lathe carved legs, with the high back. Goddess is holding a cornucopiae in left hand and diadem in right hand. Apratirathah 'Matchless Chariot Warrior'
Weight 7.55gms.
SAMUDRAGUPTA ARCHER COIN
Class I, Variety B
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 NOT shown on this coin with long flowing hair or the tails of the diedem as is seen on the Variety A. A crescent is shown above the Garuda's head. Under Kings left arm - Samudra.
Reverse: Goddess Lakshmi shown seated on a bench with lathe two carved legs. It is important to note that on this coin, the goddess is shown in an Aardhaprayanka pose (left foot tucked under her with right foot hanging down). Goddess is holding a cornucopiae in left hand and diedem in right hand.
