1 Stater - Kairvatas of Varendra Samatata Type

Historical Context: This 1 Stater gold coin, dated 640-730 AD, originates from the Varendra Kingdom in Bengal's Samatata region. It represents Kairvatas, a local ruler primarily attested through numismatic evidence. This era signifies a critical transition after the Gupta Empire's decline, marked by the rise of independent polities. Kairvatas' coinage offers vital insight into Bengal's political fragmentation and local authority before the Pala dynasty, making it a crucial historical record.

Artistry: The Kairvatas of Varendra Samatata Type stater exhibits a distinct regional aesthetic, likely influenced by earlier Gupta prototypes. While the engraver remains anonymous, typical for ancient Indian issues, the stylistic school reflects a post-Gupta Bengali idiom. Obverse designs commonly feature a stylized ruler, often standing, symbolizing sovereignty. The reverse typically portrays a goddess, frequently Lakshmi, embodying prosperity, rendered in a simplified yet recognizable form characteristic of the era's regional artistic traditions.

Technical/Grading: Struck in gold, this stater weighs 5.78 grams, consistent with post-Gupta Bengali coinage standards. As a hammered issue, examples often display variability in strike centering and pressure, leading to areas of weakness, particularly on the periphery. Key high-points susceptible to wear typically include the ruler's head and limbs on the obverse, and the goddess's headdress and facial features on the reverse. The flan may show irregularities. A well-preserved specimen exhibits sharp details on both sides with minimal design loss.