Catalog
Silver Drachm - Madasena
| Issuer | Maitraka dynasty |
|---|---|
| Year | 400-500 |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | Log in to see details |
| Currency | Log in to see details |
| Composition | Log in to see details |
| Weight | Log in to see details |
| Diameter | Log in to see details |
| Thickness | Log in to see details |
| Shape | Log in to see details |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Log in to see details |
| Engraver(s) | Log in to see details |
| In circulation to | Log in to see details |
| Reference(s) | Log in to see details |
| Obverse description | Degraded bust of the king facing right, rendered in the late Indo-Sasanian style derived from Sasanian royal portraiture. The effigy displays flowing hair swept to the left with schematic ribbon or fillet details, and a partially visible helmet or headdress above the forehead. Facial features are summarily executed, with a prominent ear rendered in relief on the left side of the bust. A short Brahmi legend is partially visible along the lower margin of the flan. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Log in to see details |
| Obverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Reverse description | Log in to see details |
| Reverse script | Log in to see details |
| Reverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Edge | Plain |
| Mint | Log in to see details |
| Mintage | Log in to see details |
| Additional information |
The Maitrakas emerged as a power in Saurashtra (modern Gujarat) following the collapse of Gupta imperial authority in the region, establishing Valabhī as their capital around 470 CE. Their coinage — including this drachm — derives its fabric directly from late Western Kshatrapa issues, a monetary tradition the Maitrakas inherited and continued with minimal modification. Madasena is among the lesser-documented rulers of the dynasty, and attributions within this period remain contested among specialists.