Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
Triton XXV 11-12 Jan 2022
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BAKTRIA, Indo-Greek Kingdom. Hermaios Soter. Circa 105-90 BC. AR Tetradrachm (29mm, 9.79 g, 12h). BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΣΩTHPOΣ EPMAΙOY, diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right, wearing crested helmet adorned with bull's horn and ear / maharajasa tratarasa hiramayasa in Kharosthi, radiate Zeus-Mithra enthroned facing slightly left, extending right hand in benediction and cradling long scepter in left arm; monogram to inner left, Σ monogram to inner right. Senior, Hermaios H3bT; Bopearachchi 4B; Bopearachchi & Rahman –; SNG ANS –; MIG Type 412c; HGC 12, 291. Lightly toned. In NGC encapsulation 4277064-001, graded Ch AU, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5.
From the Melinda Collection.
Hermaios, whose realm msinly included the Paropamisadai, appears to have enjoyed a relatively long reign by Indo-Greek standards. His Indic-standard silver coins circulated widely enough to be heavily imitated by the Indo-Skythian rulers that followed. He is shown on this rare variety with a broad-brimmed helmet recalling that of Eukratides I Megas. His reverse type depicts a novel version of the Greek Zeus syncretized with the Iranian deity Mithra, perhaps suggesting a close relationship, or even vassal status, with the contemporary Indo-Skythian Maues, who ruled in Gandhara and employs a similar reverse type on some of his issues.
From the Melinda Collection.
Hermaios, whose realm msinly included the Paropamisadai, appears to have enjoyed a relatively long reign by Indo-Greek standards. His Indic-standard silver coins circulated widely enough to be heavily imitated by the Indo-Skythian rulers that followed. He is shown on this rare variety with a broad-brimmed helmet recalling that of Eukratides I Megas. His reverse type depicts a novel version of the Greek Zeus syncretized with the Iranian deity Mithra, perhaps suggesting a close relationship, or even vassal status, with the contemporary Indo-Skythian Maues, who ruled in Gandhara and employs a similar reverse type on some of his issues.