Stater - Jagadeva Vuppadevas, Lohars of Kashmir

Historical Context: The Stater of Jagadeva Vuppadevas (1199-1213) represents the Lohara dynasty of Kashmir, a successor within the Post-Hunnic Indian Northern Dynasties. Jagadeva’s reign occurred during internal flux and external pressures on the Kashmiri realm. While gold coinage often implies stability, the late Lohara era experienced political vicissitudes. This issue nonetheless confirms sovereign authority and bullion access, even as Kashmir navigated geopolitical complexities preceding Islamic incursions, marking the twilight of indigenous Hindu suzerainty.

Artistry: The stater’s artistry follows established Kashmiri numismatic conventions, employing highly stylized iconography derived from Kushan and Kidarite prototypes. The obverse typically presents a schematic Ardoxsho (Lakshmi); the reverse displays a standing king, often the issuer, with Brahmi legends. Engraver signatures are unknown. The style is a regional continuation of a conventionalized idiom, prioritizing symbolic recognition over naturalistic detail. Execution is characteristic of late Lohara artistic capabilities, rudimentary yet distinct.

Technical/Grading: For this stater type, premium examples exhibit a full, legible strike of the Brahmi legends, particularly "Jagadeva" on the reverse, often off-flan/weakly impressed. Clarity of the highly stylized obverse goddess's facial features, though indistinct, is a significant grading criterion. Outline definition of figures and discernible attributes are critical. Centering is paramount, as dies frequently exceeded flan size. Full legends and a well-centered strike command a premium. The 10.38 gg weight and 18 mm diameter are standard.