Hi gang! I'm stumped again. I get a Sassanian/Persian feel from it... but I can't find anything. It weighs 8.25 grams and is roughly 22mm. Thoughts?
Kanishka 130-158 AD AE half unit reverse of Helios (sun god) Mitchiner 3065-3069. If not for the missing legend at the obverse right, this would be a nice specimen. On the good side, the king's name is on flan so all that is missing is King of Kings. It is still above average since these are usually worn and dumpy. Helios is one of the more common reverses but I'm not sure enough people care for these enough to say there is a market for the premium ones. Condition is what drives the market for Kushan. This one almost looks polished more than I would expect from an uncleaned lot like you bought (or is this from another source?). Sorry this answer took a while but I have not found much time this week for reading groups not 100% into ancients. Mine:
Hi,This coin was one of the early issues after Kanishka became the King of Kushan empire.The diety on the reverse (Helioc) was later on replaced with mithra.Similarly,On obverse,its greek Legend BACILEYC BACILEWN KANISHKOEY (i am just trying to let you know how the legend around sounds)its translation is King of Kings Kanishka Kushan .....Later on the obverse Greek Legend was replaced with Bactrian Legend which sounds like...(SHAONANOSHAO kANISHKI kOSHANO)...the translation is same as mentioned above...you are lucky to have got such a nice coin ..Please watch the two Gold coins of Kanishka as under.it will help you understand the difference between obverse legends as well as different name of the same deity on reverse..Thanks C BACI ... ΛEWN KANHþKOY
My Kanishka Kushan Empire Kanishka I 127-151 AD 22.07mm x 8.15g AE DiDrachm ot 1/2 Unit ; s. 127 -150 AD Obv. Crowned, diademed king standing facing, holding spear and sacrificing at altar at left, Bactrian legend around: þAONANOþAO KA ... NηþKI KOþANO (King of Kings Kanishka Kushan) Rev.Goddess Nana standing right, nimbate, holding bowl and protome of animal, Bactrian legend left: NANAþAO, tamgha at right. Gold and Bronze issues of this coin were struck by this ruler. Read more: http://www.cointalk.com/t222103/#ixzz2LeeKmPc8
