The Asvamedha coins of Samudragupta are probably one of most beautifully executed coin designs in all of Indian numismatics. The Asvamedha ceremony or horse sacrifice was a way for Samudragupta to celebrate the victories of his conquests of Northern, Western and Southern India. These coins were probably handed out as commemorative tokens during this hold ceremony and were probably not used as part of commerce. This may be the reason that Asvamedha coins discovered 2000 years later are still in good condition.
This particular coin is a very rare variety of the Asvamedha type. The Queen is shown in the reverse as a Pregnant Queen.
Obverse: A beautiful rendition of the horse, tied to a yupa, the letter si (short for siddham). Horse standing on the platform vedi. Penons of cloth flying from the top of the yupa over the horse. Circular Legend: Rajadirajah pritvimavitva divam jayatayahritavajimedhah (The King of Kings, who had performed the Vajimedha (Asvamedha) sacrifice, wins heaven after protecting (or conquering) the earth)
7.98gms
Samudragupta Asvamedha Rev
Reverse: Pregnant Queen (Queen Dattadevi) shown standing next to Yupa, holding a Chauri in hand and standing on a Lotus.
Asvamedhaparakramah (One powerful enough to perform the Asvamedha Sacrifice).
Samudragupta Asvamedha Bayana Hoard Coin
Original Bayana Hoard coin - ex William Spengler Collection. From the group of coins gifted by Maharaja of Bharatpur from the Bayana Hoard.
Samudragupta Asvamedha Bayana Hoard Coin
This specimen was presented to be used as a button on a Blazer. The clasp holding the coin is designed to hold the coin without acutally damaging it.
Reverse inscription on the clasp reads Samudragutpa - Bayana Hoard - Asvamedh
Images and design copyright Shivlee Collection
A comprehensive collection of rare gold coins from the Gupta Empire of India.
