Roma Numismatics Ltd
Auction XXV 22-23 Sep 2022
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Indo-Skythians, Maues AR Tetradrachm. Taxila mint, circa 95-57 BC. BAΣIΛEΩΣ BAΣIΛEΩN MEΓΛΛOY MAYOY, Zeus standing to left, extending right hand and holding long sceptre / 'Rajadirajasa mahatasa Moasa' in Kharosthi, Nike standing to right, holding wreath and palm over shoulder; monogram to right. Senior 1.1T; Mitchiner 729a; HGC 12, 524. 9.65g, 26mm, 12h.
Near Mint State; a highly attractive example.
Acquired from Pars Coins, San Jose CA;
Ex Classical Numismatic Group, Electronic Auction 475, 26 August 2020, lot 435.
Maues is considered to be the first Indo-Skythian king in India to strike coins bearing his own name. He styles himself a grandiose sounding title which may be on account of the clan nature of Skythian society, Maues being the supreme ruler over his fellow clan chiefs. His rise to power seems to have been sudden, judging by the quality of his coinage and the lack of any issues predating his assumption of a royal title.
Maues established Skythian power in Gandhara (modern day Pakistan and Afghanistan region) by seizing Taxila and Sirkap from the Indo-Greek kingdom, and gradually he extended his rule over swathes of north-western India. His coins clearly show an adoption of the Greek language, as well as many Greek deities and types. This seems to suggest a policy of assimilation towards the Greeks conquered by Maues, a hypothesis supported by the existence of a coin naming 'Artemidoros, son of the King of Kings, Maues'.
Near Mint State; a highly attractive example.
Acquired from Pars Coins, San Jose CA;
Ex Classical Numismatic Group, Electronic Auction 475, 26 August 2020, lot 435.
Maues is considered to be the first Indo-Skythian king in India to strike coins bearing his own name. He styles himself a grandiose sounding title which may be on account of the clan nature of Skythian society, Maues being the supreme ruler over his fellow clan chiefs. His rise to power seems to have been sudden, judging by the quality of his coinage and the lack of any issues predating his assumption of a royal title.
Maues established Skythian power in Gandhara (modern day Pakistan and Afghanistan region) by seizing Taxila and Sirkap from the Indo-Greek kingdom, and gradually he extended his rule over swathes of north-western India. His coins clearly show an adoption of the Greek language, as well as many Greek deities and types. This seems to suggest a policy of assimilation towards the Greeks conquered by Maues, a hypothesis supported by the existence of a coin naming 'Artemidoros, son of the King of Kings, Maues'.