Lot 487. India, Yaudheya tribe. Ca. 3rd-4th century A.D. Æ unit (25 mm, 11.28 g). Unicephalic Karttikeya standing facing, holding a spear in his right hand, with a small bird near his left foot and Brahmi legend Yaudheya-ganasya jaya around / Goddess Devasena (consort of Karttikeya) standing slightly turned to her left with right hand extended; flanked by conch and srivatsa. Devendra Handa, Tribal Coins of Ancient India, pp. 203-207.
The Yaudheyas were a powerful tribe in north India, famous for their martial skills. Karttikeya, the Hindu god of war and son of Lord Shiva, was their chief deity.
This type was issued by the Yaudheyas after the exit of the Kushanas. This is the rarest sub-variety with conch and srivatsa symbols on reverse.
Estimate: US$ 75 |