Ahichchatra kingdom of Pancala
Rudragupta (c. 125 BC)
copper unit (19.5mm, 5.56g)
Obverse: Traces of trishul and standard of Shiva (Rudra) on platform
Reverse: Three symbols of the Pancala dynasty (top row) and Brahmi legend Rudraguptasa (second row)
Ref: Krishna Mohan Shrimali, History of Pancala, Vol. II, pp. 88-90
The Pancala kingdom rose in northern India amid the collapse of the Mauryan empire. These are among the first indigenous coins of India to be inscribed with the ruler's name. The figure depicted on the obverse usually has a connection with the king's name on reverse.
In the case of Rudragupta, who ruled c. 125 BC, the trishul and standard of Shiva (Rudra) are seen on obverse.
Rare.