Samudragupta's gold coin (Javelin type)
335–380 ・ gold ・ 4th century ・ Gupta dynasty
A gold dinar of Samudragupta of the Gupta dynasty, with a design known as the Javelin type. The source records its weight as 7.90 grams. His reign was from 335 to 380. The king is depicted standing, holding a javelin. The portrayal of the king on Gupta gold coins varies by type—the Archer type, the Tiger-slayer type, the Lyrist type. The same king presented himself in multiple roles on his coinage. Gold coins of this period were not merely instruments of denomination, but also a medium through which the dynasty narrated its own story.