1885.] 
the gold coins of the' Guptas. 
85 
The Gupta * fillet.’ * 
The object to which the term ‘ fillet ’ has been applied and which 
Prinsep and Kittoe term a 4 noose ’ is common not only on the Gupta 
coins, but on a variety of others, notably the Indo-Scythian of probably 
in part cotemporary date. Mr. Smith retains the term 4 fillet’ for this 
object “for convenience ” but adds “ in many cases I believe it would 
be more proper to follow Prinsep in calling it a 4 pasu ’ or noose.” The 
question whether the term 4 fillet ’ be used or 4 noose ’ may not seem of 
much importance so long as the objects alluded to are believed to be 
identical, but should this be otherwise, then it it is clearly desirable not 
to unical one, by applying to it, a name properly applicable only to the 
other. It is moreover an instance of an error, simpler perhaps or minor 
in degree but identical in kind with another to which attention will 
presently be invited. It may be perhaps urged, that on coins of quasi- 
coarse execution like the Gupta coins, little weight can attend to the 
precise form of the symbol, and that the object thereon may form its 
general aspect be considered as copied from the more artistic 4 fillet ’ or 
wreath, of Greek art, but admitting this, we are all the more thrown 
back, in our efforts to determine the precise significance in this parti¬ 
cular case, of the object or symbol represented, to other data, and more 
general reasons than those afforded by the distinctive or artistic treat¬ 
ment of the symbol itself. 
Not to carry the discussion further afield than India, and the coun¬ 
try subjected to the Bactrian and Indo-Scythian kings, it may be 
observed that the 4 fillet ’ or 4 wreath,’ (for in numismatics, the wreath is 
a more artistic and florid variation of the fillet, quoad the symbolism 
involved) occurs on coins in five distinct positions. 1st, In the hand of 
Nike or Victory, as in those of Azas and Vonones. 2nd, Encircling the 
king’s head. 3rd, On a standard, or 4 javelin ’ and called a staff, carried by 
the King or Priest, as in many Indo-Scythian coins. 4tli, Either on the 
head or in the hand of the figure on the reverse of some Bactrian and 
many Indo-Scythian coins. 5thOccupying the reverse of some Bactrian 
coins as in some of Anti machos. 
In all of these instances it is clear that one and the same symbol is 
intended, representing one and the same idea, e. g., paramount power, 
crowned by the symbol of paramount holiness. This symbol was of 
course the old 4 fillet ’ or 4 vitta ’ of classic times the vitta tenuis , insigne 
pudoris, as Ovid calls it, the outward sign, whether borne by king, woman, 
or priest of power and purity. 
On the reverse however, of the Indo-Scythian coins, we find such 
an intrusion of personages from the Hindu pantheon as renders caution 
necessary in accepting the same symbol, or what might be regarded as 
