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Soter Megas Tetradrachm - An unusual ancient coin
WillieBoyd2
Posts: 5,269 ✭✭✭✭✭
Soter Megas Bronze Tetradrachm
I bought this coin in 2004 from a dealer at a coin show.
I knew nothing about it except for what the coin holder said.
(Image Deleted)
Obverse:
Bust with radiate royal headband and holding sceptre
Three-pronged tamgha behind
Reverse:
Mounted king with tamgha in front
Greek legend:
"Basileu Basileon Soter Megas" or "King of Kings, Great Saviour"
Modest fellow, wasn't he?
Specs: Weight around 10 gm., Diameter 21 mm, Struck around 80-100 AD
Soter Megas was only identified as the Kushan king Vima Takto in the 1990's
Vima Takha seems to have recovered some Indian territory from the Indo-Parthians
He took the Kabul valley and then expanded into northern Pakistan
I bought this coin in 2004 from a dealer at a coin show.
I knew nothing about it except for what the coin holder said.
(Image Deleted)
Obverse:
Bust with radiate royal headband and holding sceptre
Three-pronged tamgha behind
Reverse:
Mounted king with tamgha in front
Greek legend:
"Basileu Basileon Soter Megas" or "King of Kings, Great Saviour"
Modest fellow, wasn't he?
Specs: Weight around 10 gm., Diameter 21 mm, Struck around 80-100 AD
Soter Megas was only identified as the Kushan king Vima Takto in the 1990's
Vima Takha seems to have recovered some Indian territory from the Indo-Parthians
He took the Kabul valley and then expanded into northern Pakistan
https://www.brianrxm.com
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Comments
Kushan Empire: Soter Megas coins on Grifterrec - one of the best reference sites for ancient Asian & Middle Eastern coinages.
The Wikipedia article for Vima Takto uses a couple of similar coins for illustrations. The article for the Kushan Empire is also interesting reading.
The only book I have to cover the series is Wayne G. Sayles "Ancient Coin Collecting" volume VI, "Non-Classical Cultures".
Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius, "Meditations"
Apparently I have been awarded the DPOTD twice.
It seems the Kushan are the first to have made a figure in the likeness of the Buddha. I might add, something Buddha would have frowned upon, as he did not wish to be idolized or worshiped.
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