INDIA, Post-Mauryan (Deccan). Ishvakus. Mathariputra Sri Vira Purishadatta, circa 250-270. Unit (Lead, 15 mm, 3.31 g). SIRI VIRA (in Brahmi) Elephant with raised trunk standing to right. Rev. Four-orbed Ujjain Symbol. Pieper 723. Rare and unusually attractive. Minor deposits, otherwise, very fine.

From the collection of Prof. Dr. Björn-Uwe Abels, privately acquired in 1987.

The Ikshvakus became independent from the Satavahanas in the eastern Deccan (modern-day Telangana and Andhra Pradesh), where they established their capital at Nagarjunikonda (Vijayapuri) in circa 227 AD. Their kingdom was eventually annexed by the Pallavas in the 4th century.