The western satraps were various dynasties of nomadic northern Iranian tribesmen who migrated to northern and central India more than 2,000 years ago and set up kingdoms that dominated most of northern and central India for 400 years. This particular coin depicts Nahapana, who established silver coinage for the western satraps, basing his drachms on the Indo-Greek style of coinage, and interestingly his coins were trilingual, featuring Greek, Brahmi, and Kharoshthi legends. Napahana was the last ruler of the Kshatrapa dynasty, which was the first dynasty of the so called Western Satraps. He ruled from circa. 119 through 124 CE, until he was defeted in battle by the powerful Satavahana king Gautamiputra Satakarni...or the dytasty collapsed and there was an interval of time before the next Western Satraps dynasty assumed power, and the Satavahana king Gautamiputra Satakarni filled the power vaccum left by the collapse of the dynasty (historicans are not sure which version is more accurate). Either way, here is the coin: Nahapana AR drachm. Circa. 119-124 CE Head of Nahapana right, with his name an titles around in Greek. Thunderbolt and arrow, with his name an titles around in Karosthi on the left and Brahmi on the right. The coin is a little crusty, but it is well centered, well struck, and otherwise very good for the type. And look at that nose! Is that the definition of a Roman nose or what? PS: As I stated in late August, I would only purchase 2 coins in September, and I've shown tremendous self control. This is only my 8th coin this month. No falling off the wagon for me. Yay!
True...after being run over by the wagon on several occasions I've just about given up trying to get on it. On the bright side, I am quickly building up quite a nice and well rounded collection of ancient and medieval European and Asian silver coins.
I really discourage the idea of budget in collecting coins but that does not mean I think you should spend money you do not have. What I don't like is the idea of buying X coins a month when that causes you to buy things you don't want one month and leave behind something you really want the next month. I bought four coins in August and four so far in September BUT I have a coin show next Friday the 23rd so don't bet on that four number holding up. Will October drop back again? Only time will tell.
It's not money that's the issue... The issue is discipline. However, I shouldn't be harsh on myself. I didn't overpay for a single coin. I'm confident that every coin I got was 15% to 25% less than any price you see on vcoins.com...so they were all great buys. Better buy cheap now than pass up and pay more later.
Your Nahapana is upside down on the reverse. A good coin though. Oh and the Rare Overstrike by Guatamiputra Satakarni oh and of course the rare Chastana that rose to defeat the Satavahana and establish the Western Satraps.
Thanks for the heads up @Ancientnoob . Here she is facing the correct way...and a much better image than the last one if you ask me. That man had a nose that you could slice a side of beef with. A proper Roman nose despite not being a Roman.
Sallent, You are expanding quick into this territory. Watch out or AncientNoob is going to see you as a competitor . To add another family member: A (bit worn and ugly) copper coin of Bhumaka, Ksaharata ruler before Nahapana. You should recognize the right side.
True story - @Sallent - @THCoins and I defined the boundaries centuries ago. Oh-h-ho no! Thats awesome on a number of levels.
