I bought this unattributed coin, on a whim...I have been interested in Indian and Central Asian coins add of late, so I thought this would fit nice in the collection, and found it to be in better condition then most of this type. I also bought a silver Yue-Chi Coin from the same seller but that piece has not arrived yet. I hope it does, anyways. On to this coin. It was called an Indo-Kushan coin. I suppose thats a decent description but I hoped to expand on it. I am not a master of reading blundered greek script but the Goddess' name is clear. Nanaia, often represented by a crescent and/ or a lion. In this case the Goddess is in the human form with a Halo and small crescent above. I attempted to find the ruler of on this piece, and I found it an interesting quest. I was able to ID the God and the coin is Kushan, and luckly the reverse has the royal Tamgha, or the symbol of the ruling authority. In this case the Tamgha matches that of Kanishka I. 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. from coinsidia gallery Nana occupies a special place in Kanishka's coinage. She is the only Iranian deity to be included in the Year One Greek coinage, and she is given pride of place in the Rabatak Inscription as the one by whose grace Kanishka ruled. Most authors think she is the same as the goddess of fertility, Anahita, but this is by no means certain. Note that she is called hereNanashao, King Nana.
Nice details, especially on the tamgha. For those who don't follow central asian coins, the tamgha was a terribly important symbol. It basically was a symbol of a group in power. Since most people were illiterate, symbols were more important than words, and by displaying their tamgha on coins, rock carvings, and other items a group could show everyone who is running things. Most major groups north of India and East of Persia had personal tamghas. I have many different types of these. Its a fascinating series, with multitudes of gods depicted. Some were greek, others Indian, still others local, and even one example of Buddha. You want to spend some money? Buy one of these depicting Buddha, (Boddo). Very rare coins, and highly sought after.
Well thanks for commenting guys! You can find the tamghas on coins of Elymais (Elam) as well. The God on the reverse here, I read is actually a Perisan God and one if not the only depicted on Kushan coinage.
If someone who knows the mint location of the coin I would love to hear it. I know there are some eastern Kashmir issues, but I am still very much a novice in the particulars of these coins.
I am not sure they know the exact mint location for these main coins. Taxila had their own series of bronzes under the Kushans, but they are distinctive from these. My guess for the mint would be one of the greek cities they took over in the area. I believe the Kushans struck in multiple mints. There are "northern mint" that are slightly different looking coins than standard ones. Bill might know more.
The Kashmir mint coins were different from the rest of the issues of Kanishka I..there was presence of tamgha on the obverse just to the left of fire altar,in addition to the normal tamgha on the reverse.the eastern mint coins were attractive in style and writing....Kashmir mint coins were not struct in large number in fact few deities have appeared on the reverse.such as Mao,Oado,Mithra and nana..perhaps Oesho as well.let me share the kashmir mint issues.
