The coins of this type are often referred to as "Chandragupta I" type or Dynastic Type. The coins show King Chandragupta I and his queen Kumaradevi - parents of King Samudragupta.
Some have proposed that this coin type was issued by Samudragupta to commemorate the marriage of his father to Kumaradevi of the Lichchhavi clan.
Another theory put forth, is that these coins were actually issued by Chandragupta I (Samudragupta's father). Stylistically, you can see that there was great improvement in Samudragupta's coins in the later years of his reign. Coins portraying him as an older and more mature figure, are stylistically very beautiful, compared to coins from the early years of his reign when he was a young King conquering the territories. Over the years the mint masters were able to refine and produce excellent quality coins with beautiful renditions of the King.
If these coins were actually issued by Samudragupta's father (Chandragupta I), one would expect these coins to be stylistically cruder. For reference see Coins listed under Chandragupta I.
Samudragupta King and Queen Type
Samudragupta King and Queen coin
Obverse: Sri Kumaradevi on left of Queen. Chandra under Kings arm and Gupta on right of royal standard. King offering round object (possibly sindhur) to Queen. King wearing a pointed cap and pearl studded pants. Crescent between King and Queen.
Reverse: Goddess seated on Lion - Lion facing left. Lichchhavayah. Goddess has not been identified and could be Durga.
7.43gm
Samudragupta King & Queen Type
A very important coin stylistically. The design of the King's clothes is same as the design used on the matching style coins from Smudragupta's Battle Axe type and Standard Type Class I, Variety G. All of these coins show the hand of the same Mint and designer.
7.4 Gms.
This coin also helps solve a mystery that has been the topic of debates over the last century. The debate revolves over what the King is holding in his hand as an offering to the queen.
Based on the design depticted on this coin, it is clear to see the King's finger positioned in line with Queen's forehead, applying sindhur to her forehead.
See enlargement of the coin below:
Samudragupta King Queen Type
Goddess Seated on Lion facing left, Crescent topped standard
Obverse: King offering an object (presumed to be a sindhurdani) on palm of hand to Queen. SriKumaradevi on left and Chandra under Kings arm, gupta left of crescent topped royal standard. Note Crescent above King and Queen and dots between their legs.
Reverse: Goddess seated on Lion facing to the left. Lichchhavayah.
This is an important coin even though on the die seems to have moved during impact. The standard on the right of the King can now be very clearly seen as a Crescent topped royal standard. On most of the coins of this type, the top of the standard is usually off the flan.
Samudragupta King and Queen Coin
Samudragupta King and Queen Coin
Goddess Seated on Lion facing Right
Obverse: "Sri" missing. Only legend "Kumaradevi" on left, Chamdra (not Chandra), Gupta on right. Note round object on Kings hand being offered to Queen. Beautiful design showing kings curly hair, earring.
Reverse: Queen seated on Lion facing right - however, in this coin, notice the round object in Queens right hand (on left side of the coin).
Samudragupta King and Queen Type
Samudragupta King and Queen coin
Images and design copyright Shivlee Collection
A comprehensive collection of rare gold coins from the Gupta Empire of India.
