1884. j V. A. Smitli —Gold Coins of the Imperial Gupta Dynasty. 137 
Section III. 
Monogrammatig Emblems. 
Tlie so-called monograms (with one doubtful exception) occur only 
on tlie reverse of the Gupta gold coins, and, when present, are generally 
placed over the right shoulder of the goddess. 
The forms assumed by these monogrammatic emblems on the coins 
accessible to me are shown in Plate IV. The most common forms con¬ 
sist of a horizontal line, or two parallel lines, surmounted by either three 
or four dots or short prongs, and having a square or lozenge attached be¬ 
low by one corner. 
Sometimes the square or lozenge is replaced by a cross, and some¬ 
times by other devices, and occasionally the prongs or dots above the hori¬ 
zontal line or lines are wanting. One form (Vo. 25), which I know only 
from a drawing, departs altogether from the standard pattern. Exami¬ 
nation of the plate will show the large variety of minor modifications 
in detail which occur. 
What is the origin and meaning of these mysterious marks ? 
To this question I can give no positive and satisfactory answer, but 
I am not without hope that the distinct enunciation of it, and the syste¬ 
matic presentation of the monogrammatic emblems as they actually occur 
may suggest to other enquirers the correct solution of the problem. 
The following statement exhibits the monograms which have come 
under my observation, arranged according to reigns :—■ 
Ghatot Kacha. Vos. 1; 2 ; 4 g. 
Chandra Gupta I . „ da ; 4<b ; 6 ; 8d; 225. 
Samudra Gupta. ,, da ] 4g ; ; 65 ; 8a ; 9 ; 
11; 19a ; 20a ; 205 ] 21; 
22 . 
Chandra Gupta II. ,, 3a; 35 ; 4 g ; 7a ; 75 ; 8a ; 
85 ; 10a ; 105 ; 10c ; 12 ; 
15; 16; 17a; 175; 18; 
19a ; 195 ; 20a ; 21; 22 ; 
23; 24. 
Kumdra Gupta Mahendra. „ 8a ; 85 ; 8c ; 10c ; 17c ; 17(5; 
195 ; 20a ; 25. 
Skanda Gupta . 5 ? 3a ; 35 ; 4c ? ; 8a. 
Doubtful.. „ 3a ; 8e ; 10a ; 13 ; 14 ; 19a. 
The following types have no monogram ;— 
Samudra Gupta. Aswamedha. 
. Tiger. 
5 ’ . » 
Chandra Gupta II . Lancer, var. a 
