Æ Stater - Jayasimha Deva 1123 - 1155 AD - Kashmir - Second Lohara Dynasty

Historical Context: This Æ Stater was issued by Jayasimha Deva (1123-1155 AD), penultimate ruler of Kashmir's Second Lohara Dynasty. His reign, chronicled by Kalhana's *Rajatarangini*, was marked by persistent internal rebellions and external pressures, reflecting political fragmentation and economic contraction. Widespread copper coinage underscores the era's economic realities, serving as the primary medium of exchange in a beleaguered Himalayan kingdom, providing tangible evidence of its tumultuous state.

Artistry: Artistic execution adheres to the highly stylized numismatic tradition prevalent in Kashmir since the Kidarite Huns; individual engravers are not identifiable. The obverse features a standing king, a debased Kushan prototype, often holding a trident, surrounded by a Sharada legend. The reverse depicts a schematically rendered seated goddess, likely Ardoxsho/Lakshmi, often with a lotus, and an accompanying Sharada inscription. Style is marked by abstract forms, linear contours, and progressive simplification, reflecting a distinct regional aesthetic.

Technical/Grading: For this copper stater (Mitch NI#191), critical grading points include clarity and completeness of Sharada legends on both obverse/reverse, frequently off-flan or weakly struck. Detail on king's headdress and goddess's attributes (e.g., lotus) is rarely sharp but desirable. Centering and the 18mm flan's roundness are significant, as irregular shapes and off-center strikes are common. Absence of significant corrosion and a well-preserved surface are paramount. A strong strike with full legends and discernible iconography commands a premium.