★ Lakshmi seated on a lion ★

HUNNIC TRIBES, Alchon Huns. Toramana II, circa 530-570. Stater (Bronze, 20 mm, 6.80 g, 12 h). SRI TORA(MANA) ('Lord Toramana' in Brahmi) Toranama standing front, head turned slightly to left, sacrificing over altar with his right hand and holding trident in his left. Rev. Goddess Lakshmi (proto-Durga) seated facing on lion lying to left, raising her right hand in benediction. Mitchiner, Non-Islamic States, 151. Struck on a somewhat short flan as usual and with a minor edge crack, otherwise, very fine.

From a collection of coins from Central Asia.

Toramana II succeeded Mihirakula on the throne of the Hunnic kingdom of Kashmir. The reverse of this coin is normally described as “Ardoksho enthroned”, but it is actually Lakshmi seated on a lion, i.e. an early form of Durga.