INDIA, Post-Mauryan (Malwa). Ujjain. Circa 2nd century BC. AE (Bronze, 16x19 mm, 7.26 g). Lord Shiva as Mahakal standing facing on the right; on the left, the bull Nandi, his companion, standing to right; between them, tree in railing; in upper field to left, Indra-Dhvaja; below, river with fish. Rev. Four-orbed Ujjain symbol with a taurine in each angle. cf. Pieper 321-322 (without Indra-Dhavaja). Very rare. Minor corrosion spots and with light deposits, otherwise, very fine.

From a German collection of Indian coins, ex Leu Web Auction 14, 12-13 December 2020, 742.

This large and heavy issue shows the inseparable couple Shiva and Nandi, as well as the sacred Bodhi tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment.