Ancient Kashmir – Post-Hunnic Dynasty
Kshemagupta with Joint Issue of Didda Rani | Copper Stater | Goddess Lakshmi Type | 5.68 g
A scarce and historically fascinating copper stater from ancient Kashmir, issued during the reign of King Kshemagupta in association with his queen, the celebrated Didda Rani. Dating to approximately c. 950–958 CE, this remarkable joint issue is over 1,050 years old and preserves the distinctive artistic tradition of medieval Kashmiri coinage.
The coin is particularly significant for carrying the names of both Kshemagupta and Didda Rani in Sharada script, making it an important historical connection to one of the most influential royal women in the history of Kashmir.
OBVERSE:
The obverse depicts Goddess Lakshmi seated facing in the characteristic Kashmiri style.
The ruler's names appear in Sharada script, including the joint legend “Di Kshema” at the right, representing Didda and Kshemagupta.
The seated goddess motif continued a long-established tradition in Kashmiri coinage and is one of the most recognisable features of the region's medieval monetary system.
REVERSE:
The reverse depicts a highly stylized king standing and performing a ritual sacrifice at a fire altar.
The Sharada legend “Gupta” appears beneath the king's arm on the right side.
The standing king and sacrificial altar design represents the continuation of the distinctive Kashmir coinage tradition, combining royal authority with ceremonial religious imagery.
COIN DETAILS:
Region: Ancient Kashmir
Dynasty: Post-Hunnic Kashmir
Ruler: Kshemagupta
Joint Issue: Didda Rani
Period: c. 950–958 CE
Denomination: Copper Stater
Metal: Copper
Weight: 5.68 g
Size: 21.13 × 19.85 mm
Condition: Very Fine
Rarity: Scarce
Obverse: Goddess Lakshmi seated facing with “Di Kshema” legend in Sharada script
Reverse: Stylized king standing and sacrificing at fire altar with “Gupta” legend
Script: Sharada
Age: Approximately 1,050–1,075 years old
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND:
Kshemagupta was a ruler of medieval Kashmir and the husband of Didda Rani, one of the most remarkable and powerful female rulers in Kashmiri history.
Didda initially held political influence during the reign of Kshemagupta and later became one of the dominant figures in Kashmir's royal administration. Following the death of Kshemagupta, she went on to exercise power as regent and eventually ruled Kashmir in her own right.
This joint coin issue is therefore particularly important because it provides tangible numismatic evidence of Didda's prominence during the reign of her husband.
DIDDA RANI – A REMARKABLE QUEEN OF KASHMIR:
Didda Rani is remembered as one of the most influential women rulers in Indian history. Her name appearing alongside Kshemagupta on this coin makes the issue especially appealing to collectors interested in royal women, Indian history and Kashmir's medieval heritage.
Coins connected with Didda are historically important because they document her exceptional position within the political structure of 10th-century Kashmir.
NUMISMATIC SIGNIFICANCE:
This coin beautifully combines several important elements of Kashmiri numismatics:
• Joint association with Kshemagupta and Didda Rani
• Seated Goddess Lakshmi on the obverse
• Stylized sacrificing king on the reverse
• Sharada script legends
• Historic fire altar imagery
• Important medieval Kashmir copper stater
• Over 1,050 years old
The joint royal attribution makes this issue particularly fascinating, offering collectors a direct connection to the history of Didda Rani and the royal court of medieval Kashmir.
COLLECTOR'S APPEAL:
An excellent addition to collections specialising in:
Ancient Kashmir Coins
Didda Rani Coinage
Kshemagupta Coins
Indian Queen & Royal Women Coinage
Goddess Lakshmi Coins
Sharada Script Coins
Medieval Indian Coins
Kashmir Copper Staters
Post-Hunnic Indian Coinage
10th Century CE Numismatics
A scarce and historically important Kashmir copper stater, approximately 1,050+ years old, featuring Goddess Lakshmi and the distinctive sacrificing king design, with the names of Kshemagupta and the celebrated Didda Rani preserved in Sharada script — a remarkable piece of medieval Indian history.
