Roma Numismatics Ltd
Auction XII 29 September 2016
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Indo-Greek Kingdom, Philoxenos AR Tetradrachm. Circa 125-110 BC. BAΣIΛEΩΣ ANIKHTOY ΦΙΛOΞENOY, diademed heroic bust left, seen from behind, wearing crested helmet covered with pelt of scales and adorned with head of Gorgon and wing, aegis on shoulder and brandishing spear with right hand / 'Maharajasa apadihatasa Philasinasa' in Kharosthi, Philoxenos, in military attire, on horse rearing right; Σ and monogram to upper left. Mitchiner 343c; Bopearachchi 9C; SNG ANS 1198. 9.81g, 25mm, 11h.
Good Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare, and of exceptional metal quality for the type.
The present type is something of an exciting anomaly within the Indo-Greek series. Although the use of an aegis as part of the king's raiments is a well known element on the Indo-Greek series, it is most unusual to find the helmet itself similarly decorated with the elements of an aegis. It is shown covered with a pelt of scales, set with the head of the Gorgon, with a wing to the side. This is a notable departure from the usual bull's horn decoration, a custom that went back to Eukratides I (circa 171-145 BC). For the use of these elements in denoting the aegis in Classical and Hellenistic art, see the late fifth century BC Athena Lemnia of Pheidias, the first century BC Alexander Mosaic, and the first century AD Blacas Cameo.
Good Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare, and of exceptional metal quality for the type.
The present type is something of an exciting anomaly within the Indo-Greek series. Although the use of an aegis as part of the king's raiments is a well known element on the Indo-Greek series, it is most unusual to find the helmet itself similarly decorated with the elements of an aegis. It is shown covered with a pelt of scales, set with the head of the Gorgon, with a wing to the side. This is a notable departure from the usual bull's horn decoration, a custom that went back to Eukratides I (circa 171-145 BC). For the use of these elements in denoting the aegis in Classical and Hellenistic art, see the late fifth century BC Athena Lemnia of Pheidias, the first century BC Alexander Mosaic, and the first century AD Blacas Cameo.