CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY
- Emperor:
- Menander I Soter
- Denomination:
- Drachm
- Composition:
- Silver
- Date:
- 160-145 BC
- Obverse:
- ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΣΩΤΗΡΟΣ ΜΕΝΑΝΔΡΟΥ ('of King Menander the Saviour'), heroic bust of Menander wearing crested helmet facing right
- Reverse:
- Athena standing right, brandishing thunderbolt and holding aegis, Karosthi legend around, monogram in field to right
- Reference:
- Sear 7603; SNG Copenhagen 294-7 var. (monogram)
- Size:
- 18mm, 2.4g, 12h
- Province:
- Indo-Greek Kingdom
- Grade:
- aVF, toned, wide flan
Menander I Soter ('the Saviour') is the best-known of the Indo-Greek Kings. He ruled the areas south of the Hindu Kush. His reign was long and successful as evidenced by the many coins minted during his time still being discovered today. Born to a Greek family he later converted to Buddhism. His coins have inscriptions in Greek and also Karosthi, an ancient script used in ancient Gandhara and Central Asia. Well struck coin with all inscriptions visible and legible. Slight overall wear. Nicely toned.
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.
__________________________________________________
Signed: Peter Anthony Piliouras
__________________________________________________
Date