INDIA, Gupta Empire. First Dynasty. Skandagupta Kramaditya, circa 455-467. Drachm (Silver, 15 mm, 1.84 g). Bust of Skandagupta to right, wearing headdress and earring. Rev. VIJITA VANIR AVANIPATI JAYATI DIVAM SKANDAGUPTOYAM (‘Skandagupta, Lord of the Earth, having conquered the Earth, wins over Heaven' in Brahmi) Fan-tailed peacock standing facing with spread wings. Pieper 873. Nicely toned. Some scratches, otherwise, about very fine.

From the collection of Prof. Dr. Björn-Uwe Abels, privately acquired from Pankaj Tandon 1985.

Skandagupta's reign was plagued by tumultuous wars against the Huna people, which are attested on his pillar inscriptions.