Katalog
| Emitent | Alchon Huns |
|---|---|
| Rok | 490-515 |
| Typ | Standard circulation coin |
| Hodnota | Dinar (20) |
| Měna | Drachm (380-560 AD) |
| Složení | Gold |
| Hmotnost | 9.32 g |
| Průměr | 19.5 mm |
| Tloušťka | |
| Tvar | Round (irregular) |
| Technika | Hammered |
| Orientace | Coin alignment ↑↓ |
| Rytci | |
| V oběhu do | |
| Reference | Göbl Kushan#126 |
| Popis líce | King on caparisoned horse r., bow across his body, running his sword through the mouth of a lion which rears up in front of the horse; elementary garuda standard above horse’s head, letter Ru or U (for Udayaditya or Ujjayini?) below horse |
|---|---|
| Písmo líce | |
| Opis líce | |
| Popis rubu | The nimbate goddess Lakshmi seated facing on lotus, holding long stemmed flower and riband, Sri Prakasadityah (a Royal name meaning `Light Sun`) in field r. |
| Písmo rubu | |
| Opis rubu | |
| Hrana | Plain |
| Mincovna | |
| Náklad |
ND (490-515) - - |
| ID Numisquare | 7053499150 |
| Další informace |
Historical Context: This Dinar, the Toramana Lion-slayer type, stands as a crucial numismatic testament to the Alchon Huns' dominion in India during the late 5th and early 6th centuries CE. Issued between 490 and 515 CE, it represents the reign of Toramana, a formidable Alchon ruler who spearheaded the Hunnic expansion into the former Gupta territories. His conquests marked a significant geopolitical shift, effectively ending the classical Gupta era and ushering in a period of decentralized rule and new dynastic formations. The issuance of gold coinage by Toramana underscored his assertion of sovereignty and the establishment of a stable, albeit foreign, monetary system in the conquered regions, reflecting a deliberate appropriation and reinterpretation of Indian numismatic traditions.
Artistry: The artistry of this Dinar reflects a fascinating synthesis of stylistic influences, typical of the Indo-Sasanian school prevalent in Central Asia and Northwestern India. While the engraver remains anonymous, the design exhibits a blend of Sasanian royal portraiture, evident in the ruler's bust and crown on the obverse, and indigenous Gupta-era aesthetics. The reverse features the iconic "lion-slayer" motif, depicting the king, Toramana, in a heroic pose, triumphing over a lion. This powerful iconography, likely inspired by Sasanian hunting scenes but reinterpreted within an Indian context, symbolizes royal power, valor, and divine right, a clear statement of the Alchon Huns' authority and their adoption of established imperial imagery.
Technical/Grading: Struck in gold, weighing 9.32 grams and measuring 19.5 millimeters, this Dinar generally exhibits good metallurgical consistency for its period. High-points for technical assessment and grading include the clarity of Toramana's facial features, the intricate details of his crown or helmet, and the legibility of any Brahmi legends on the obverse. On the reverse, the definition of the king's attire, the lion's musculature, and the overall dramatic composition are critical. While strike quality can vary, well-centered specimens with strong, even strikes are highly prized, revealing the full extent of the design's relief and detail, often with minimal flan irregularities.