Silver Tetradrachm of King Azes (about 2,080 years ago)
This silver tetradrachm was issued by the Indo-Scythian King Azes I or II after approximately 58 BCE. The Indo-Scythians (also called Sakas) were originally nomadic warriors from Central Asia who established significant kingdoms across what is now Afghanistan, Pakistan, and parts of northwestern India. This well-preserved coin represents the sophisticated monetary system of these frontier kingdoms that combined multiple cultural traditions.
Coin Description:
Front side: The obverse typically shows King Azes mounted on horseback, usually holding a spear or whip, with Greek-style inscriptions identifying him as "BASILEOS BASILEON MEGALOU AZOU" (Great King of Kings Azes).
Back side: The reverse generally depicts a standing deity—either the Indian goddess Lakshmi or a Hellenistic deity like Athena/Nike—holding symbols of victory such as a wreath and palm branch. The reverse inscriptions would be in the Kharoshthi script used in the Gandhara region.
Technical Details:
Silver composition (AR)
Tetradrachm denomination (a high-value coin equaling four drachms)
Weight: Approximately 9-10 grams
Size: Approximately 25-30mm in diameter
NGC Grade: XF (Extremely Fine) - indicating excellent preservation with minor wear
Date of minting: After circa 58 BCE (late 1st century BCE to early 1st century CE)
Historical Significance: The confusion between Azes I and II reflects the challenges in chronology during this period of South Asian history. These coins circulated in the economically vibrant regions where major trade routes connected East and West. The Indo-Scythian rulers strategically maintained the recognizable Greek-style coinage established by previous Indo-Greek kings, while incorporating local deities and Kharoshthi script to appeal to their diverse subjects. This numismatic evidence provides crucial insights into a period and region where written historical sources are limited.
This silver tetradrachm was issued by the Indo-Scythian King Azes I or II after approximately 58 BCE. The Indo-Scythians (also called Sakas) were originally nomadic warriors from Central Asia who established significant kingdoms across what is now Afghanistan, Pakistan, and parts of northwestern India. This well-preserved coin represents the sophisticated monetary system of these frontier kingdoms that combined multiple cultural traditions.
Coin Description:
Front side: The obverse typically shows King Azes mounted on horseback, usually holding a spear or whip, with Greek-style inscriptions identifying him as "BASILEOS BASILEON MEGALOU AZOU" (Great King of Kings Azes).
Back side: The reverse generally depicts a standing deity—either the Indian goddess Lakshmi or a Hellenistic deity like Athena/Nike—holding symbols of victory such as a wreath and palm branch. The reverse inscriptions would be in the Kharoshthi script used in the Gandhara region.
Technical Details:
Silver composition (AR)
Tetradrachm denomination (a high-value coin equaling four drachms)
Weight: Approximately 9-10 grams
Size: Approximately 25-30mm in diameter
NGC Grade: XF (Extremely Fine) - indicating excellent preservation with minor wear
Date of minting: After circa 58 BCE (late 1st century BCE to early 1st century CE)
Historical Significance: The confusion between Azes I and II reflects the challenges in chronology during this period of South Asian history. These coins circulated in the economically vibrant regions where major trade routes connected East and West. The Indo-Scythian rulers strategically maintained the recognizable Greek-style coinage established by previous Indo-Greek kings, while incorporating local deities and Kharoshthi script to appeal to their diverse subjects. This numismatic evidence provides crucial insights into a period and region where written historical sources are limited.
This silver tetradrachm was issued by the Indo-Scythian King Azes I or II after approximately 58 BCE. The Indo-Scythians (also called Sakas) were originally nomadic warriors from Central Asia who established significant kingdoms across what is now Afghanistan, Pakistan, and parts of northwestern India. This well-preserved coin represents the sophisticated monetary system of these frontier kingdoms that combined multiple cultural traditions.
Coin Description:
Front side: The obverse typically shows King Azes mounted on horseback, usually holding a spear or whip, with Greek-style inscriptions identifying him as "BASILEOS BASILEON MEGALOU AZOU" (Great King of Kings Azes).
Back side: The reverse generally depicts a standing deity—either the Indian goddess Lakshmi or a Hellenistic deity like Athena/Nike—holding symbols of victory such as a wreath and palm branch. The reverse inscriptions would be in the Kharoshthi script used in the Gandhara region.
Technical Details:
Silver composition (AR)
Tetradrachm denomination (a high-value coin equaling four drachms)
Weight: Approximately 9-10 grams
Size: Approximately 25-30mm in diameter
NGC Grade: XF (Extremely Fine) - indicating excellent preservation with minor wear
Date of minting: After circa 58 BCE (late 1st century BCE to early 1st century CE)
Historical Significance: The confusion between Azes I and II reflects the challenges in chronology during this period of South Asian history. These coins circulated in the economically vibrant regions where major trade routes connected East and West. The Indo-Scythian rulers strategically maintained the recognizable Greek-style coinage established by previous Indo-Greek kings, while incorporating local deities and Kharoshthi script to appeal to their diverse subjects. This numismatic evidence provides crucial insights into a period and region where written historical sources are limited.
