Ended up getting a rare/ unknown coin.After the Gupta Empire died off/ new Dynasties took over/ one was the Ratas of Samatatas AV Stater ND struck 640-56 AD under a King named Bhaskaravarman. 22mm. 5.76g. obv: Archer holding bow and arrow/ with chakra (wheel) symbol Sri Kumara rev: Goddess right/ long flowing drapes Unique ex: CNG Auction 26
Wow that's just stunning! I looked on Zeno for any comparable examples but this one is unique with the chakra wheel on the obverse to the left of the man. Here is a somewhat similar coin that is the closest to yours but there are still quite a few different details.
Awesome start to the year John! I need to grab more subcontinental gold at some point (only a humble pagoda at the moment), hopefully a Vasudeva I Dinar soon, but might wait and see if/when the gold price dips again before pulling the trigger. It's been a frustrating start to the year with heritage and triton, but I suppose I can't really complain since I did win something in CNG e483 before all this madness
quite a sweet little near gem, great quality for the era and location. I'm a big fan of Mr. Steve Album's scholarship, expertise, and Honesty!
I really like your new coin! I looked up the meaning of the name Bhaskara Varman: Bhaskara: Means "shining", derived from a combination of Sanskrit भास (bhasa) meaning "light" and कर (kara) meaning "maker". This is another name of the sun and the Hindu god Shiva. Varman: Meaning. Shield. Region of origin. India. Varman or its variants, Varma, Verma, Varman, Burman or Barman, are surnames that are used in India & South-East Asia. Source: https://www.behindthename.com/name/bhaskara https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Varman_(surname) So, basically «Shining Panzerman», then. How appropriate.
Very nice! I love Indian gold, especially ones from the obscure kingdoms that would have been totally unknown were it not for the coins they issued. I placed a few bids in that auction - got outbid by $20 on one, blown out of the water on the rest
So far/ 2/2.....one more bid today. Also got a unpublished AV Octangular Kupang from Johore 1597-1615 at $260/ in AU quality. Sultan Aluaddin Riayat Shah III Seems he made War on the Portuguese around Malacca. Lucky for him he had help from the Dutch.