Panchalas of Ahichchatra, Achyu, Copper, 0.54g, “Roman bust”, Obv: King's bust to right, Brahmi letters A and chyu (Achyu), Rev: 8 spokes Wheel with central pellet. Very fine+, exceedingly rare.
Achyu was the last ruler of the Panchala kingdom. He was defeated by Samudragupta and his territory annexed to the growing Gupta Empire. Achyu's copper coins with just his name on obverse are very common, but his 'Roman bust' type is exceedingly rare. Only a handful of specimens are known, there are none in the British Museum and ANS. Only one example is documented in the West in the Bibliothequenationale de France, Paris. One of the great rarities in Indian numismatics. This is the first specimen ever to be offered for sale in any Auction.