Samudragupta, who ascended the throne in 350 AD and rules until 375 AD, is one of the first Gupta kings to issue coins. Most of them are representative of the ruler as a fearsome or capable warrior, hence the portraiture reflects elements of martial pursuit, i.e. holding a battle-axe, or a sword, or bow-and-arrow.

Samudragupta is succeeded by his son Chandragupta II, who rules from 375 AD to 414 AD. This coin is a gold dinar issued during his reign. On the obverse is Chandragupta, riding a horse and holding a bow above the horse’s head, and a whip by his side. On the reverse is goddess Lakshmi, on an elevated seat, holding a diadem (jewelled crown) and a lotus.

Later, over the centuries, forms of the stool would be made using material such as cane, wood, and metal.

From the collection of the CSMVS