Gupta Dynasty, Skandagupta alias Kramaditya, Silver Drachma - Garuda Type

Ruler : Skandagupta alias Kramaditya
Era : (455-467 CE)
Dynasty : Gupta
Denomination : Drachma
Weight : 2.01 g
Diameter : 11.1 mm
Reference : TOTGE, S. Kumar # Garuda type, Pg. No. 354

Obverse :
A stylized garuda standing facing with wings spread in the center, sun at left, Brahmi legend "(Paramabhgavata) Maharajadhiraja Skandagupta Kramadityah".

Reverse :
The side profile of the king facing left.

Comment :
Skandagupta was a son of the Gupta emperor Kumaragupta I. He ascended the throne in year 136 of the Gupta era (c. 455-456 CE). His Bhitari pillar inscription suggests that he restored the Gupta power by defeating his enemies, who may have been rebels or foreign invaders. He repulsed an invasion by the Indo-Hephthalites (known as Hunas in India), probably the Kidarites. He seems to have maintained control of his inherited territory, and is generally considered the last of the great Gupta Emperors. The Gupta genealogy after him is unclear, but he was most probably succeeded by Purugupta, who appears to have been his younger half-brother.
Extremely fine grade, Rare in this grade.

SGG 02