Skandagupta Silver Drachm – Gupta Empire Peacock Type Extremely Rare Coin

Gupta Empire, Skandagupta (c. 450–475 CE), Denomination: Silver Drachm, Composition: Silver, Weight: 2.26 grams, Diameter: 14.87 mm, Type: Madhyadesha / Maukhari Style, Reference: TOTGE S. Kumar, Page 354, # Var. A, Grade: Extremely Fine, Rare.

Obverse: Crowned bust of King Skandagupta facing right, with the date positioned in front of the royal portrait.

Reverse: Fan-tailed peacock at the centre, surrounded by a Brahmi inscription in Sanskrit reading “Vijitavaniravanipati Jayati Divam Skandagupto’yam.”

Skandagupta ruled the Gupta Empire around c. 450–475 CE and was the son of Kumaragupta I. He is remembered for defending and restoring imperial power during a period of significant political and military challenges. Inscriptions such as the Junagadh rock inscription describe his victories over hostile forces, while the Bhitari pillar inscription records his conflict with the Hunas. Despite these pressures, Skandagupta maintained much of the empire inherited from his predecessors and is often regarded as one of the last great Gupta emperors. His reign reflects the military resilience and cultural achievements of the Gupta period, renowned for its advances in art, literature, science, and coinage.

Coinage Note: This rare silver Drachm belongs to the Peacock Type attributed to Skandagupta. Its obverse features the crowned royal bust, while the reverse displays a fan-tailed peacock surrounded by a Sanskrit legend written in Brahmi script. The inscription celebrates the king’s triumph, conveying the sense that Skandagupta, having conquered the earth and its rulers, triumphs in heaven. The coin is an important example of Gupta silver coinage and illustrates the dynasty’s distinctive combination of royal portraiture, religious symbolism, and Sanskrit epigraphy.