CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY
- Emperor:
- Soter Megas (King of Kings)
- Denomination:
- AE Didrachm, derived from Attic standard copper didrachm / reduced Indian standard copper tetradrachm
- Composition:
- Copper
- Date:
- 90-113 AD
- Obverse:
- Bust of Miiro facing right, 5 rays emanating from his head, wearing diadem with ribbons to left and cloak; holding ribboned arrow in raised right hand; three-pronged tamga to left; dotted border
- Reverse:
- ΒΑCΙΛΕΩ[C] ΒΑCΙΛE[ΥΩΝ CΩΤΗP ΜΕΓΑC] ('King of kings, great saviour'), King riding horse to right, wearing soft Iranian cap with long diadem ribbons, nomad jacket and trousers; holding pickaxe in raised right hand; three-pronged tamga to right
- Reference:
- ANS Kushan 196-8; Kushana Numismatics p. 94, 49; Senior ISCH B17 type
- Size:
- 22.2mm, 8.4g, 12h
- Province:
- Kushan Empire, Ancient India
- Grade:
- Choice aEF, fine style, green patina with dark devices, boldly struck, reverse off centre, rough surfaces on obverse, (cleanable) soil deposits on reverse
The Kushan empire was formed by Yuezhi, in the Bactrian territories in the early 1st century. It stretched to encompass the entire northern subcontinent of India and includes what is today Afghanistan and Pakistan. The Kushans used the Baktrian language, employing the use of Greek script to write Baktrian - as evidenced in their coinage. Not much is known about Vima Takto, Soter Megas. In fact until the discovery of his name he was referred to as the 'Nameless King'.
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