1855.] On the Coins of the Gupta Dynasty. 507 



Beverse. — Figure of Nandi identical in form and position with 

 the seal symbol of the Valabhi family as found on their copper-plate 

 grants. (J. A. S. B. IV. PL XL. and p. 487). 



Legend — [restored] . 



Parama Bhagavata Sri Skanda Gupta Kramdditya. 



These legends are frequently very incomplete, varying in the num- 

 ber of letters in each ; but, as I have already sufficiently adverted to 

 this subject,* I need not repeat my observations in this place. 



The standard of these coins is very uncertain, rising from a 

 weight of 21 to 30 grains. 



Classes e.f. g. [The references are prefixed to each variety]. 



Obverse. — The usual head, generally ill defined, but still identical 

 in many respects with the original device on the obverse of the Sah 

 medals; it is occasionally also accompanied by distinct traces of the 

 word NANO. 



Beverse. — Central symbol in the form of an altar, which is ^sup- 

 posed to represent the common altar-shaped receptacle of the sacred 

 Tulsi tree of the Hindus. Legends restored — 



Class e. ; J. E. A. S. XTI. PI. II. 49. 



Parama Bhagavata Sri Skanda Gupta Kramdditya. 

 Class /; J. E. A. S. XII. PI. II. 50. 



Parama Bhagavata Sri Skanda Gupta Paramdditya. 

 Class g. ; J. E. A. S. XII. PI. II. 51. 



Parama Bhagavata Sri Vikramdditya Skanda Gupta. 

 " There are between seventy and eighty specimens of these various 

 Tulsi device Skanda Gupta coins in the Prinsep collection, B. M. 

 They are commonly but carelessly fashioned, and unevenly struck. 

 The letters of the legends, however, are in high relief, and unusually 

 well preserved, though there is at the same time a decided absence 

 of uniformity in the expression of many characters of analogous 

 value, and their general outline is remarkable for a degree of rude- 

 * J. R. A. S. XII. p. 66 ; J. A. S. B, ? ? 



3 X 



