India – Gurjara-Pratihara Dynasty (c. AD 800)
Silver Dramma
D-3+ / MN-390+ – Ex. Robert Tye Collection
An important silver Dramma from the Gurjara-Pratihara Dynasty, one of the major powers of early medieval India. Flourishing between the 8th and 11th centuries, the Gurjara-Pratiharas controlled large parts of northern and western India and played a central role in the political and cultural development of the subcontinent during the early medieval period.
The silver Dramma was the principal coinage of the Pratihara realm and continued the western Indian silver tradition that originated with earlier Indo-Scythian, Gupta, and regional coinages. These coins are recognized for their distinctive stylized designs, which evolved from earlier classical motifs into a uniquely Indian medieval artistic form.
The obverse and reverse display the characteristic abstracted imagery and legends associated with Pratihara silver coinage, reflecting the transition from ancient Indian monetary traditions into the medieval era. Highly valued by collectors, these issues provide important evidence of the economic strength and regional influence of one of India's most powerful early medieval dynasties.
This example is referenced as D-3+ / MN-390+ and comes ex. Robert Tye Collection, adding desirable provenance from the respected collector and researcher known for his extensive work with Asian and Islamic coinage.
Dynasty: Gurjara-Pratihara
Date: c. AD 800
Denomination: Silver Dramma
Metal: Silver
References: D-3+; MN-390+
Provenance: Ex. Robert Tye Collection
A scarce and historically significant early medieval Indian silver coin, representing the continuation of India's long tradition of silver coinage and the rise of powerful regional kingdoms after the Gupta period.
