The coins of Samudragupta gives us a lot of information on the start of the mighty empire of Guptas, and its economy.  The earliest issue bears the image of king Chandragupta-I with his queen Kumaradevi of Lichchavi family.  Though the legend is specific to Chandragupta_I, it was issued by Samudragupta inmemory of his father.  Samudragupta isued as many as 8 different types of coins for himself.  They are known in numismatic terms as Standard, Archer, Battle Axe, Chandragupta-I, Kacha, Tiger, Lyrist and Asvamedha type.  they are indicative of the conquests of Samudragupta and his attainment of paramount power.

Standard types are numerous and common, the legend on them reads "The unconquered one whose victory extends over a century of battles having conquered his enemies, wins heaven".  The Archer type reads "Wielding the axe of Kritant, the unconquered conqueror of unconquered kings is victorious".  On the obverse, the king is shown in standing pose with royal costumes and axe of Kritant in one hand.  The reverse is usual Kushan Goddess, a seated Lakshmi but not on the usual Kushan throne, but on lotus (Padma).

Chandragupta-I is unique compared to the traditional Kushan coinage.  In the obverse, Chandragupta-I is seen standing, but with right hand offering a ring to Kumaradevi.  Legend Chandra Kramaditya is seen on them.  The reverse shows Durga on Lion.  Kacha type coin bears the legend "Kacha, having conquered the earth, wins heaven by the highest works" while the reverse shown the legend "Exterminator of all the kings".  The image on the obverse shows king standing with Chakra in one hand and insense inthe other offering to the altar in front.  On the reverse, Lakshmi is shown with a loose robe, holding a flower in one hand and cornucopia in the arm.

On the tiger type, the king is shown trampling on a tiger which orients backwards as King shoots with a bow.  The obverse legend reads "Vyagraparakramah".  The Lyrist type coins shows the king in a high backed couch, playing Vina which rests on his knees.  The legend "Maharajadhiraja - Sri Samudragupta" decorates the obverse.  On the reverse is shown Goddess Saraswathi.  Somehow, Lyrist type is free froom all traces of foreign influence.  Even the attitude and costumes put on by the king is purely Indian.

Asvamedha types are unique, we find a horse standing before a sacrificial post from which pennons fly over its back.  There is a legend "The king of kings, having gained the earth, conquers heaven with his irresistible heroism".  On the reverse is shown queen standing with a loose robe and jewelry, holding a chowrie.

Samudragupta coinage features distinct Indian culture, dress, weapons, Goddesses compared to the earlier Kushan coinage.  Close fitting cap instead of conical Kushan head dress, dhoti in place of Kushan long coat, jewelry, and Goddess Lakshmi, Durga, Saraswathi marks Indianisation of Samudra's coinage. Weapons such as battle axe, bow, arrow and swords appears for the first time.

The Copper coins found at Besnagar have the name "RamaGupta" on the obverse.  It is also contended that Kacha could be the person who intervened between Samudragupta and Chandragupta-I.  Kacha Gupta coins could be the next generation of coins that circulated in the region following Samudaragupta's coinage.

Chandragupta-II issued many types of coins - viq., Archer, Couch, Chhatra, Lion Slayer, Horse Man etc.,   The archer type contains the legend "Deva Sri Maharajadhiraja Sri Chandraguptah".  There is the Garuda (Vishnu's mount) on the obverse and reverse carried the image of Lakshmi.  The Couch type coins contained the legend "Roopakrith" and "Vikrama".  Chhatra type carried the image of dwarf holding a royal parasol to Chandragupta.  Lion Slayer type now contained the legend "Simhavikrama"!  Chandragupta-II issued even silver coins, probably for the region that was conquered from the Western Kshatrapas.

Kumaragupta-I issued various types of coins, viz., Archer, Swordsman, Asvamedha, Horseman, Lion Slayer, Tiger Slayer, Peacock, Pratapa and elephant rider type.  Sovler coins were issued for circulation in West of India, but were of debased type.  Asvamedha type must have been issued to commemorate the performance of Horse Sacrifice.  The legend on the obverse reads "Jayati Divam Kumarah" and the reverse reads "Sri Asvamedha Mahendrah".  His coinage itself is enough to speak about the vastness of his empire.

Skanda Gupta issued three types of gold coins, viz., archer, King and Lakshmi, and Hors Man type.  As a lower denomination, he circulated debased silver coins.  After the Huna war, even the gold coins were debased with silver.  His successors Purugupta, Kumaragupta-II issued only one type of gold coins namely Archer type.  Budha Gupta's coins followed his predecessor's type but artistic degree is not that great.