Today (January 6) is Epiphany which is also known as “Three Kings Day.” It’s also known as the “Twelfth Day of Christmas.” There are some Biblical historians who believe that the “Magi or Wisemen” were sent to Bethlehem by the Indo-Scythian King; Azes or Azes II. (Some historians believe that Azes and Azes II were one-in-the-same person.) I’m not a Biblical historian so I’m not qualified to comment on any of this. Anyway, here are my 3 Indo-Scythian tetradrachm(s). There are many variations of these but I think I’ll stop at 3.
Gorgeous presentation, @Deacon Ray ! Nice Tetradrachms, and very nice you have 3 varieties... "We Three Kings of Orient are..." I have a Drachm of Azes... INDIA, Indo-Scythian Kings. Azes I. Ca 57-30 BC. AR Drachm, 2.3g, 15mm, 11h. Obv.: BAΣIΛEΩΣ BAΣIΛEΩN MEΓAΛOY / AZOY; Emperor on horseback right, holding whip and raising right hand, bow on his back. Karosthi letter in right field. Rev.: MAHARAJASA RAJARAJASA MAHATASA AYASA; Zeus standing left, holding long scepter and Nike, monograms in right and left fields. Reference: Senior - ,Whitehead - Comment: double-struck obverse Ex: @John Anthony / John Zielinsky JAZ Numismatics
I like these coins. In fact, one of my first 'ancients' is a tetradrachm by Azes I / II: A large silver coin, not too expensive, showing a king on a horse. I mean, that's just cool.
Hey, hey, Deacon Ray! It's great to see you around again! That's a sweet Indo-Scythian tet, and may I say, also an ubercool coffee mug in your latest avatar. If I were a coffee drinker*, I'd want one like that! (*I'm a tea drinker, myself, but only iced tea. It could be 20-something degrees outside, and I'm still drinking iced tea. Never been much of one for hot beverages.)
Very nice! I have personally never heard of any association of Azes (I or II) to the biblical Magi from any source that wasn't trying to sell the coins, but I still do appreciate some nice Indo Scythian coinage! I have one tetradrachm of Azes And two drachms, one with Zeus And one with Athena
If memory serves, the supposed connection between Azes and the biblical Magi was first proposed by a prominent Chicago dealer and is more good marketing than good history. Of course, Greek μάγος doesn't mean "king" at all but refers specifically to a priest of the Zoroastrian faith or more generally, a magician. Indo-Scythian are very cool all on their own.
Beautiful coins! I don't venture into Indo Scythian coinage, except to pick the occasional coin that interests me. Here is one that came from Roma Numismatics in 2019. Indo-Scythians, circa 58-20/19 BC Azes II AR Tetradrachm BAΣIΛEΩΣ BAΣIΛEΩN MEΓAΛOY AZOY, King on horseback riding right, wearing cataphractus and holding whip aloft, Karosthi letter 'da' before horse / Pallas Athene standing right holding spear and shield, right arm extended, monogram to left, Karosthi letter 'va' in right field; 'Maharajasa Rajadirajasa Mahatasa Ayasa' in Kharosthi around. Senior type 98.327v. 9.46g, 27mm, 9h. Near Extremely Fine; attractively toned. Rare. Ex Roma E-Sale 60, lot 459.
I think NGC was the first to offer these. The three coin set was advertised in the back of various Christian and Biblical archeology magazines.
Very cool coins @Deacon Ray thanks for sharing them. I really like them all, but the bottom one is my favorite. I do not have any Indo-Scythian coins in my collection, but I find it very interesting that the first coin of yours had a very similar reverse, with Athena Alkidemos left, as this Indo-Greek drachm of Menander I Soter. Menander I Soter AR Drachm 155-130 BC. 18mm, 2.46 g. Obv: Diademed heroic bust left, seen from behind, wearing aegis and brandishing spear. Rev: Athena Alkedimos advancing left, holding shield and thunderbolt; monogram to right. Bopearachchi 7A
