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, viewed from behind, head turned to left
- Reverse:
- Athena advancing left, brandishing thunderbolt and holding shield, Karosthi legend around, monogram in field to right
- Reference:
- Sear 7602; SNG Copenhagen 299-302 var. (monogram)
- Size:
- 17mm. 2.5mm, 12h
- Province:
- Indo-Greek Kingdom
- Grade:
- Choice aUncirculated, high relief, sharp legends, darkly toned, some sediment
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. This ancient Indo-Greek coin is in exceptional condition with a beautiful toned surface. Perfectly struck with sharp legible inscriptions, it is almost uncirculated, incredibly rare for an ancient coin!. The obverse can be easily cleaned if desired with some lemon juice. However your preference, like mine, might be to keep it in its original condition.
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