Vikramaditya Skandagupta (𑀲𑀓𑀦𑁆𑀥𑀕𑀼𑀧𑁆𑀢), Gupta Empire, c. 455–467 CE, Denomination: AR Drachm, Composition: Silver, Weight: 1.71 grm, Diameter: 12 mm, Reference: MACW 4881, About Very Fine, + Extremely Rare,

Obverse: Bust of King Skandagupta facing right, wearing a crested crown and pearl necklace. Sharp portrait with well-defined facial details.

Reverse: Couchant bull facing right, replacing the traditional Garuda emblem. Brahmi legend around:paramabhāgavata śrī Skandagupta Kramāditya.

This is the rare bull-type drachm introduced late in Skandagupta’s reign. It represents an important numismatic innovation where the usual Vaishnavite Garuda symbol was replaced by the Shaivite Nandi bull. Though the Gupta emperors were traditionally devotees of Vishnu, this symbolic shift likely reflects political realities—possibly an effort to secure the loyalty of Shaivite elites in Gujarat during a period of increasing pressure from the Hun invasions.

The coin shows an attractive portrait, and the king’s name on the reverse is clear and distinct. Skandagupta also introduced other new silver types during his rule, including the rare altar-reverse variety.

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