1884.] V. A. Smitli —Gold Coins of the Imperial Gupta Dynasty. 141 
I cannot profess to explain tlie precise significance of any of tlie 
Gnpta monograms, but it is possible tliat some Hindu scliolar may be 
able to elucidate tlie subject. 
Mr. Tliomas bas called attention to tlie curiously close likeness 
between monogram Ho 4«, and tbe Egyptian symbol fortbebee, wbicb 
was tbe sign royal in tbe Hieratic character.* 
A trident wbicb bears a resemblance to some of tbe Indo-Scytbian 
and Gujita monograms occurs, detached like them, in tbe field of a coin 
of Rbescuporis II, king of tbe Bosphorus (A. H. 17 to 34).f 
Tbe standing figure of Victory, who appears on some coins of Azes 
bolds in her right hand a four-pronged symbol wbicb is identical with 
tbe upper part of so many of tbe Indo-Scytbian and Gupta monograms. J 
These instances of resemblance between tbe monograms in question 
and other symbols may be cases of casual coincidence, but I have thought 
it worth while to note them on tbe chance of their suggesting a correct 
solution of tbe problem of tbe origin and meaning of tbe so-called 
monograms of tbe Indo-Scytbian and Gupta dynasties. 
Section IV. 
Weights. 
Tbe authors of essays on Indian numismatics have in general con¬ 
tented themselves with more or less complete descriptions of tbe devices 
and legends of coins, and have paid little attention to weigbments. 
Numismatists in Europe of late years have become alive to the 
importance of dry details of tbe weight of coins, and have spared no 
pains to obtain copious lists of weights as materials for induction. 
A knowledge of tbe weight standards of ancient coins is indis¬ 
pensable for tbe attainment of accurate notions respecting tbe history 
and development of coin types, and helps to throw light on tbe ill-un¬ 
derstood commercial relations of the states of tbe ancient world. Tbe 
scholar who devotes himself to tbe examination of tbe numismatic 
treasures of Europe cannot hope to do more than fill in tbe blank spaces 
of a sketch wbicb bas already been drawn in firm outlines by tbe band 
of history. Tbe enquirer who ventures to explore tbe labyrinth of 
Indian numismatics can expect but little help from tbe friendly band 
of tbe historic muse, but is perhaps compensated for tbe difficulties wbicb 
he encounters by tbe unfailing hope of discovery, and by tbe consciousness 
that be is tracing tbe plan of tbe foundations on wbicb history should 
rest. 
^ Records of the Gupta Dynasty, p. 21, note. 
f Tresor de Numismaticpie, Rois Grecs, PI. XXV, 12. 
X Ar. Aiit. PI. VI, figs 12 and 18. 
