The Western Kshatrapas (The Western Satraps of India) Isvara Datta, (Abhira intruder,unknown dynasty) 164-165 SE (242-243 AD) AR Karshapana as Mahaksatrapa Chief Mint Mint B? dated Year 1. or 164 SE or 242 AD 15.0 mm x 2.10 g Obverse: Bust of Isvara Datta right wearing Satrapal Cap. date in Brahmi numerals regal Year 1 behind bust, Corrupt Greek Inscription. Reverse: Crescent on a three arched hill over a wavy line, crescent in the left field and sun in the right field, Brahmi inscription Rajno MaHaKsaTraPaSa ISvaRaDaTtaSa Varse PraThaMe(Of Raja Mahaksatrapa Isvara Data, in the First Year) ref:Fishman #24.2.1 pg.209 It is thought that this gentleman was a foreign invader who temporarily dethroned the reigning king Vijayasena, acting as supreme ruler for about 1 and a half years, until the throne was recovered by Vijayasena in 164/5 SE. His coins are dated in Saka Era, like all other issues. (I have his coin but that's for a different thread) All coins of Isvara Data are very Rare but yr. 2 overstrikes are oober rare.
Now I know everyone is eagerly awaiting me to show the coin of the emperor who lost his throne and then recaptured it... Vijayasena Kardamaka, son of Damasena As Ksatrapa 160-161 SE (238-239 AD) As Mahaksatrapa 161-173 SE (239-251 AD) Vijayasena Kardamaka as Mahaksatrapa dated SE 164 (242 AD) AR Karshapana 15 mm x 2.14 g Obverse: Bust of Vijayasena wearing collar and satrapal cap. Corrupt Greek legend around. Clear Brahmi date behind bust 164. Reverse: Crescent on three arched hill over a wavy line crescent in left field and sun in the right field. Brahmi legend- Rajno MaHaKsaTraPaSa DaMaSeNaSaPuTraSa RaJnoH MaHaKstrapTsa ViJaYaSeNaSa ref: Fishman 23.3.164 (Of Raja Mahasatrapa Vijayasena, son of Raja Makastrapa Damasena ) *Cough* The most common dated coin in the whole series!
If you can find just the right hat... instant Halloween costume for ya, Noob! "Dude, you were supposed to come in costume! It's a costume party." "Duh.. I'm Vijayasena."
I was able to acquire Dr. Fishmans Book and a wadd of these coins so I am out here practicing. I think I am finally getting to sort of- kind of starting to understand the construction and main shapes (letters) of legend. The book does a great job of color coating the legend components.
Come on TIF people out their are gonna think I have a mullet and a Fu Manchu and this guy's beak has nothing on mine.
Right! It Looks Like that! In fact I think it's easier to understand. In the respect that the legend makes sense that they are not abbreviations but the titles spelled out. So it can make ID relatively easy when you know what each letter look like. MaHaKsaTraPaSa = Mahaksatrapa = Emperor / Shah / Augustus! KsaTraPa = Ksatrapa = Governor / Satrap / Caesar!
I called Microsoft support the other day and the guy said, "Hello, my name is Rajno MaHaKsaTraPaSa DaMaSeNaSaPuTraSa RaJnoH MaHaKstrapTsa ViJaYaSeNaSa. How may I be helping you?"
I don't know why but these coins always remind me of a skeevy nightclub owner who sits in the corner playing with his mustache going 'Yes, Yes, Good, Good'. Another awesome pick up Noob!
