Triton XIX, Lot: 2136. Estimate $2000. Sold for $3750. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

INDIA, Kushan Empire. Huvishka. Circa AD 151-190. AV Dinar (21mm, 7.95 g, 12h). Subsidiary mint in Gandhara (Peshawar?). Late phase. [ÞαO]NαHOÞαO O OhÞhI hOÞαN[O], nimbate, diademed, and crowned half-length bust left on clouds, holding mace-scepter and filleted spear / ΦAPO to right, Pharo (Hermes-Mercury) standing facing, head left, holding purse and filleted scepter; tamgha to left. ANS Kushan 775 (this coin); cf. MK 345/344 (obv./rev.); cf. Donum Burns 291/290 (for obv. type/rev. die). EF.

From the collection of Dr. Lawrence A. Adams, purchased from Hakim Hamidi (Persic Gallery), November 1989.

Pharo was associated with Khvareno, the Iranian personification of the glory and legitimacy of kings. His winged cap, associating him with Orlagno and his victories, may also associate this god with Hermes-Mercury, the god of treasure. As Hermes, his messages were carried on the wing, while the halo and lotus signify his passage between worlds. As Mercury, his purse indicated the profit resulting from a gloriously legitimate royal rule.