CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY
- Emperor:
- Apollodotos I
- Denomination:
- AR Drachm
- Composition:
- Silver
- Date:
- 160-150 BC
- Obverse:
- ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΠΠΟΛΟΔΟΤΟΥ ΣΩΤΗΡΟΣ ('of King Apollodotos the Saviour'), Elephant standing right, MT monogram in exergue
- Reverse:
- Humped bull standing right, Karosthi legend around
- Reference:
- SNG Copenhagen 335; Sear 7591var. (MT monogram on obverse, no monogram on reverse)
- Size:
- 18mm, 2.4g, 12h
- Province:
- Indo-Greek Kingdom
- Grade:
- Rare, choice gVF, well centred and struck, high relief, lightly toned
Apollodotos I Soter ("the Saviour") was an Indo-Greek king. His territory spanned the western and southern parts of the Indo-Greek Kingdom. He was the first to rule only in India therefore is considered the founder of the Indo-Greek Kindgom. It is not known precisely why his square-shaped coinage features an elephant and a bull. Possibly the elephant symbolises Taxilia and the bull, another city inside his empire. This coin is rare, with few examples in online auction databases found in comparably high grades. The elephant depicted is strikingly realistic and the high relief suitably brings out the magnificence of the mammal, native to India.
I, Peter A. Piliouras of Ancient Coin Traders irrevocably guarantee for life to the Purchaser that this ancient coin is authentic. If this coin is deemed not to be authentic by a professional certification service, then I will refund to the Purchaser the full cost of acquiring the coin (including shipping) together with the certification fees.
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Signed: Peter Anthony Piliouras
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Date