Gupta Empire, gold dinar of Samudra Gupta (345-375 AD), 'Lyrist' type, Altekar, var. A, S. Kumar var. A.1, 22.76mm; 7.63g. Obv: Nimbate king sits sideways in a Lalitasana posture with his right leg folded, seated on a high backed throne (Manchaka), facing left, bare-chested, wearing skull-cap and short-dhoti, a pearled necklace and large earrings, playing a seven-stringed lute (veena) with his right hand; Brahmi letter 'Si' below the couch and Brahmi legend Maharajadhiraja Sri-Samudraguptah
(The Great King of Kings, his highness Samudragupta) around. Rev: Nimbate Goddess Lakshmi seated in profile, facing left, on a decorative wicker-stool with couch back, holding a cornucopia in her left hand and a noose or diadem in her right hand; Brahmi legend Samudraguptah in right field, dotted border around.
A stunning coin with well-defined details, struck on a Broad flan, Well centered with complete dotted border visible on reverse, Nearly Extremely fine, Extremely rare.
According to S. Kumar, a total of 98 specimens of this type are known. The Lyrist type coins of Samudragupta showcases the king as an accomplished musician, seated and playing the lyre (veena), highlighting his refined artistic talents. A Brahmi letter 'Si' appears beneath the king's throne, signifying 'Siddham' in Sanskrit, meaning success; the same symbol also appears on the Ashvamedha type coins.
Coins of Variety A are considered aesthetically superior to those of Variety B. The present coin belongs to Variety A, identified by the absence of the tamgha on the reverse-a symbol found on coins of Variety B.
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