Silver Tetradrachm of King Azes (about 2,080 years ago)
This coin is a silver tetradrachm from the Indo-Scythian Kingdom under King Azes I or II, minted after approximately 58 BCE. The Indo-Scythians were nomadic warriors of Central Asian origin who established kingdoms in what is now Pakistan, Afghanistan, and northwestern India. This large silver coin represents the fascinating blend of Greek, Persian, and Indian cultural elements that characterized this frontier civilization.
Coin Description:
Front side: The obverse typically shows King Azes on horseback, holding a spear or whip, with Greek-style inscriptions naming the king as "BASILEOS BASILEON MEGALOU AZOU" (Great King of Kings Azes).
Back side: The reverse likely depicts the Indian goddess Lakshmi or a Greek deity like Athena/Nike, often standing facing forward holding a wreath and palm branch. The reverse would include inscriptions in Kharoshthi script.
Technical Details:
Silver composition (AR)
Tetradrachm denomination (a large, high-value coin equal to 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 Indo-Scythian kings Azes I and II ruled during a pivotal period when Central Asian nomadic peoples were establishing kingdoms across the former territories of the Indo-Greek kingdoms. Scholars debate the distinction between Azes I and II, which explains the ambiguous attribution of this coin. These rulers maintained Greek artistic and monetary traditions introduced by Alexander the Great's successors while incorporating Indian religious elements. This cultural fusion is evident in their bilingual coinage using both Greek and Kharoshthi scripts—a tangible symbol of East-West cultural exchange along the ancient Silk Road trading networks.
This coin is a silver tetradrachm from the Indo-Scythian Kingdom under King Azes I or II, minted after approximately 58 BCE. The Indo-Scythians were nomadic warriors of Central Asian origin who established kingdoms in what is now Pakistan, Afghanistan, and northwestern India. This large silver coin represents the fascinating blend of Greek, Persian, and Indian cultural elements that characterized this frontier civilization.
Coin Description:
Front side: The obverse typically shows King Azes on horseback, holding a spear or whip, with Greek-style inscriptions naming the king as "BASILEOS BASILEON MEGALOU AZOU" (Great King of Kings Azes).
Back side: The reverse likely depicts the Indian goddess Lakshmi or a Greek deity like Athena/Nike, often standing facing forward holding a wreath and palm branch. The reverse would include inscriptions in Kharoshthi script.
Technical Details:
Silver composition (AR)
Tetradrachm denomination (a large, high-value coin equal to 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 Indo-Scythian kings Azes I and II ruled during a pivotal period when Central Asian nomadic peoples were establishing kingdoms across the former territories of the Indo-Greek kingdoms. Scholars debate the distinction between Azes I and II, which explains the ambiguous attribution of this coin. These rulers maintained Greek artistic and monetary traditions introduced by Alexander the Great's successors while incorporating Indian religious elements. This cultural fusion is evident in their bilingual coinage using both Greek and Kharoshthi scripts—a tangible symbol of East-West cultural exchange along the ancient Silk Road trading networks.
This coin is a silver tetradrachm from the Indo-Scythian Kingdom under King Azes I or II, minted after approximately 58 BCE. The Indo-Scythians were nomadic warriors of Central Asian origin who established kingdoms in what is now Pakistan, Afghanistan, and northwestern India. This large silver coin represents the fascinating blend of Greek, Persian, and Indian cultural elements that characterized this frontier civilization.
Coin Description:
Front side: The obverse typically shows King Azes on horseback, holding a spear or whip, with Greek-style inscriptions naming the king as "BASILEOS BASILEON MEGALOU AZOU" (Great King of Kings Azes).
Back side: The reverse likely depicts the Indian goddess Lakshmi or a Greek deity like Athena/Nike, often standing facing forward holding a wreath and palm branch. The reverse would include inscriptions in Kharoshthi script.
Technical Details:
Silver composition (AR)
Tetradrachm denomination (a large, high-value coin equal to 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 Indo-Scythian kings Azes I and II ruled during a pivotal period when Central Asian nomadic peoples were establishing kingdoms across the former territories of the Indo-Greek kingdoms. Scholars debate the distinction between Azes I and II, which explains the ambiguous attribution of this coin. These rulers maintained Greek artistic and monetary traditions introduced by Alexander the Great's successors while incorporating Indian religious elements. This cultural fusion is evident in their bilingual coinage using both Greek and Kharoshthi scripts—a tangible symbol of East-West cultural exchange along the ancient Silk Road trading networks.
