INDIA, Kushan Empire. Huvishka. Circa AD 151-190. AV Dinar (21mm, 7.96 g, 12h). Main mint in Baktria (Balkh?). Late phase. Near EF.

Triton XXVI
Lot: 509. Estimated: $ 40 000

Central Asian, Coin-in-Hand Video, Gold

Sold For $ 155 000. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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INDIA, Kushan Empire. Huvishka. Circa AD 151-190. AV Dinar (21mm, 7.96 g, 12h). Main mint in Baktria (Balkh?). Late phase. ÞαO(retrograde h)α(retrograde h)OÞα O OOhÞK[I KOÞα(retrograde h)O], diademed and crowned half-length bust of Huvishka right on clouds, flames at shoulder, holding mace-scepter in right hand and goad in left / IαMÞO to right, Iamsho, diademed and wearing high peaked cap, holding bird left in outstretched right hand and filleted spear in left; tamgha to left . MK Supplement II 230B; ANS Kushan p. 291 (this coin; reverse only illustrated); Donum Burns 253 = Göbl, Himmel, pl. 7, 13 (same rev. die). Lightly toned, deposits in devices, light scrapes and slight double strike on reverse, minor edge marks. Near EF. Extremely rare, none in CoinArchives.

Ex Archytas Collection.

The reverse of this fascinating coin depicts the standing figure of Iamsho (Yama), the Kushan god of death and guardian of the underworld. The bird he holds in his right hand might perhaps be identified as either an eagle or a hawk, both of which symbolize the legitimacy of kingship. The reverse of this issue provides us with the only numismatic representation of Iamsho, and the appearance of this exceptionally rare coin is the first opportunity for collectors of the Kushan series to obtain an example at public auction.

The final winners of all Triton XXVI lots will be determined at the live public sale that will be held on 10-11 January 2023.

Triton XXVI – Session Two – Lot 335-673 will be held Tuesday afternoon, 10 January 2023 beginning at 2:00 PM ET.

Winning bids are subject to a 22.5% buyer's fee for bids placed on this website and 25% for all others.

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