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Stater - Menander I
| Issuer | Indo-Greek Kingdom |
|---|---|
| Year | 160 BC - 135 BC |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | Gold Stater (20) |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
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| Diameter | Log in to see details |
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| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
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| Reverse description | An owl, the sacred bird of Athena, rendered in three-quarter view standing right upon an olive branch or rocky exergual line, with wings slightly raised and head turned to face the viewer, executed in bold relief characteristic of Indo-Greek coinage. The letter alpha (Α) appears as a control mark to the left of the figure in the field. A beaded border frames the entire reverse design, with a Kharosthi legend inscription running along the lower periphery. |
| Reverse script | Log in to see details |
| Reverse lettering | Α |
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| Additional information |
Menander I is the only Indo-Greek king mentioned by name in Buddhist canonical literature — the Milindapañha records his philosophical dialogues with the monk Nagasena, after which he is said to have converted to Buddhism. Whether that conversion is historical or hagiographic is still debated, but his kingdom was vast and his reign unusually long for a dynasty notorious for its fractious succession. Gold staters of his issue are exceptionally rare; the Indo-Greeks struck predominantly in silver, and gold output was limited enough that each surviving specimen carries genuine documentary weight.