My attempt to understand the Shahi Jitals is hampered, I suspect, by the lack of a proper book in my library. Does anyone own Mitchiner, Non Islamic States or Tye, Jitals and could answer some questions about what they say regarding these coins (examples below) and help me decide if either book (neither is cheap) is a good fit for my library. For example: I have Mitchiner Ancient and Classical World. Is the coverage of these coins in NIS substantially different? I have been told that the character over the horse's rear was the same on the two right (Samanta Deva) coins but that this 'Bhi' exists in several forms. The two left coins (Spalapati Deva) show considerably different characters there. What does either of the books mentioned have to say about this character? What is a proper reading of the characters? (Dada?, Na?) I realize that the interest level in these issues on Coin Talkis not wide but I was hoping someone might own the books for a different reason and be able to guide me in this purchase decision. Thanks. Good web references would also be appreciated.
The Shahi Kings of Kabul and Gandhara ruled in what is now parts of Afganistan, Pakistan and India from roughly 800 to 1000 AD with their coin types copied by later rulers of the region for at least a couple hundred more years. The coins have a legend giving royal titles but lack an individual ruler name (unless that is what the letter I asked about indicates). There is a lot about them I don't know but the coins are common and relatively cheap ($5-30). Many (later ones?) were cut almost as line drawings with deep lines that retain detail even when very worn.
I have Tye. Your Spalapati Deva first from the left is Tye coin # 5. The character you are asking about Tye says is "A". Your Spalapati Deva second from the left is Tye coin # 6. The character you are asking about Tye says is "Ka". Both minted in Kabul of course. Your Samanta Deva third from the left is Tye coin # 14. The character is "Bhi" as you know. The mint is listed as "Ohind?". Your Samanta Deva fourth from the left I did not see listed in Tye under Samanta Deva.
Very nice coins, Doug I have Mitchner's both works NIS and ACW and the information in both references are almost same. In fact I also have his 9 volume series on "Indo-Greek and Indo-Scythian coins" and in last volumn has information about few hoard finds of bull and horseman coins. Here also it's pretty much the same details as in other two references. For this series, Robert Tye's book is definitely a standard and covers the series in many details. I would highly recommend this book for anybody interested in this series. Before Tye's work was published, there was another very good reference available for this series. Its title is 'Living without Silver' by John Deyell. It's little outdated work in terms of types/varieties reported but a very good book on history and how these coins were used in day to day business in those days. Indeed, a very interesting book. Your second coin is Tye #6.2 (a sub-variety identified by three dots between horse's front legs). Your third coins is Type #14.2 (a sub-variety identified by shape of trident symbol on bull's back). Your fourth coin is also Tye #14 or #14.2 based on trident's shape. Regards, Ballabh Garg
I disagree. The character above the horse's rump of Doug's fourth coin looks nothing like Tye #14 or #14.2.
