Helmeted Menander Tetradrachm (BC 155-130)

Here is my original write up on one of my favorite rulers - and here is my new slightly improved upgraded Menander tetradrachm.

https://www.cointalk.com/threads/menander-i-soter-tetradrachm-revisited.266277/



Asia, Paropamisadae or Gandhara
Indo-Greek Kingdom
House of Euthydemus
Menander I Soter (Milinda Panha) (r.BC 155-130)
AR Tetradrachm 26 mm x 9.76 grams.
Obverse: Helmeted and Diademed bust of Menander right. Greek Legend -BASILEWS SWTHROS MENANDPOY
Reverse: Athena Alkidemos (as protector of the city) Advancing left with thunderbolt and Gorgon faced shield. Monograms Left field; Kharosthi Legend-MAHARAJA TRATASA MENANDRASA
Ref: HGC 12, 182; Bopearachchi 15 monogram D;Mitchiner, type 217d
Note: Large denomination. Scarce. Ancient King of Religious and Historical significance. Pretty high grade.

 

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Another awesome pick-up Noob! I still love my Drachm of Menander, and all of the history that comes with it. I showed it off in the other thread you linked to, but here it is again:

Kingdom of Bactria
Menander I r. c. 165/55-130 B.C.
AR Drachm, 15.71mm x 2.5 grams
Obv.: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΣΩΤΗΡΟΣ / ΜΕΝΑΝΔΡΟΥ. Diademed bust of the sovereign right, coat fastened on the right shoulder
Rev.: (Maharajasa tratarasa / Menamdrasa). Athena Alkidemos standing left. Monogram 'H' in right field
Ref.: Bopearachi, Ménandre (I) Sôter, 67

This coin is on the docket for a reshoot... hopefully this weekend!

 

Awesome coin - I would love to see the reshoot and see what you have done to improve your image. Please share!!

 

WOW!!!! Both are absolutely phenomenal!!!

 

I wasn't aware Menander's tets were so light. You learn something new every day.

My favorite coin from the era on the other side of the Amu River. Same border between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan that divided the Indo Greeks from the Greco Bactrians in the 2nd century BC. I don't know much of the history, but Menander ruled concurrently with Eukratides I for 10 years. I'm sure there were either skirmishes or rumors of war during that time.

 

Holy Cow @Ancientnoob , very nice! You slammin' home with some wonderful quality! Good eye.

@FitzNigel - beautiful piece, and wonderful history around it!

 

Compared with the one in the openingpost, here Menander looks a bit younger:


But i also have a weakness for the coins of the later rulers (here ZoilosII):

 

It almost looks like Athena isn't wearing anything around her mid section. The skirt appears to be wrapped around her thighs and tied off just below her left gluteus maximus; similar to Venus on Imperial denarii. If this is common on most of these coins, I didn't notice before.

 

A very sweet example!

 

Very nice coin indeed Ancientnoob, great detail and surfaces.

 

Wow, many awesome coins in this thread!

 

I like your description : "Pretty high grade."

 

It would be awesome if it was a reoccurring theme. Thanks!

 

Am I the only one who sees how amazing the butt on Athena is on this example? Sorry to be so plebeian, but (yea, intended) its a nice coin.

 

You're not Ken - it has been commented on before! It is rather striking, and I didn't realize it stood out so much when I bought it... but that makes it interesting!

If I should sell it, do you think I could get away with claiming it is "one if the finest deriers in Numismatics"?

 

While I rephotographed this coin last week, it didn't turn out too well. Better results today, although I think the reverse might be a little out of focus... (certainly seeing some red on the coin that shouldn't be there on the reverse. I think the obverse is good, but maybe a little reflective on the face).

 

Wow, how did I miss this thread? Noob-- fantastic coin and fantastic images!

 

A better capture of the obverse surface but the to be honest I like the first photo better. Keep 'em coming and thanks for the contribution to my thread.

 

Thanks!

Yea this iphone 5s I have for work takes photo just about as good as the Samsung galaxy s5 I was using.

 

Stunning OP and stunning contributions from others! Beautiful coins!