The coins shown are representative examples of the grade and type, but not the actual specimens for sale. For details on NGC’s grading standards and definitions, please refer to our NGC Grading page.
This silver drachm represents the Indo-Scythian Kingdom under King Azes II, who ruled territories spanning modern Afghanistan and Pakistan around the time of Christ's birth. Similar to but smaller than the tetradrachm version, this drachm features the same culturally significant bilingual inscriptions and imagery, potentially connecting to biblical narratives through the legendary "Journey of the Magi."
Coin Description:
Front side: King Azes II on horseback, wearing Central Asian or Scythian attire, with Greek inscription giving his name and titles
Back side: Standing figure of Zeus (Greek king of gods) holding scepter, with inscription in Kharoshthi script (an ancient Indian writing system)
Technical Details:
Silver composition
Denomination: Drachm (a quarter of a tetradrachm)
NGC certified
Minted approximately 35 BC - 5 AD
Weight: Typically around 2.4 grams
Condition as certified by NGC
Historical Significance: This drachm represents the fascinating cultural fusion that occurred in Central Asia following Alexander the Great's conquests. The Indo-Scythian kingdom ruled by Azes II stood at the crossroads of several civilizations, incorporating Greek, Persian, Indian, and Central Asian influences. The coin's bilingual nature—Greek script on the obverse and Indian Kharoshthi script on the reverse—reflects this multicultural character. Some scholars connect these coins to biblical history, suggesting the "Magi" who followed a star to Bethlehem may have been Zoroastrian priests or astronomers from this region, possibly sent as envoys by King Azes himself. This connection makes these well-preserved 2,000-year-old coins particularly significant as potential physical links to one of history's most famous narratives, representing the complex interconnections between ancient civilizations during this pivotal historical period.
The coins shown are representative examples of the grade and type, but not the actual specimens for sale. For details on NGC’s grading standards and definitions, please refer to our NGC Grading page.
This silver drachm represents the Indo-Scythian Kingdom under King Azes II, who ruled territories spanning modern Afghanistan and Pakistan around the time of Christ's birth. Similar to but smaller than the tetradrachm version, this drachm features the same culturally significant bilingual inscriptions and imagery, potentially connecting to biblical narratives through the legendary "Journey of the Magi."
Coin Description:
Front side: King Azes II on horseback, wearing Central Asian or Scythian attire, with Greek inscription giving his name and titles
Back side: Standing figure of Zeus (Greek king of gods) holding scepter, with inscription in Kharoshthi script (an ancient Indian writing system)
Technical Details:
Silver composition
Denomination: Drachm (a quarter of a tetradrachm)
NGC certified
Minted approximately 35 BC - 5 AD
Weight: Typically around 2.4 grams
Condition as certified by NGC
Historical Significance: This drachm represents the fascinating cultural fusion that occurred in Central Asia following Alexander the Great's conquests. The Indo-Scythian kingdom ruled by Azes II stood at the crossroads of several civilizations, incorporating Greek, Persian, Indian, and Central Asian influences. The coin's bilingual nature—Greek script on the obverse and Indian Kharoshthi script on the reverse—reflects this multicultural character. Some scholars connect these coins to biblical history, suggesting the "Magi" who followed a star to Bethlehem may have been Zoroastrian priests or astronomers from this region, possibly sent as envoys by King Azes himself. This connection makes these well-preserved 2,000-year-old coins particularly significant as potential physical links to one of history's most famous narratives, representing the complex interconnections between ancient civilizations during this pivotal historical period.
