Tetradrachm - Gondophares - 12 BC-130 AD mint of Taxila Sirsukh

Historical Context: This tetradrachm was issued by Gondophares I, a pivotal ruler of the Indo-Parthian Kingdom (c. 30-55 AD). His realm, centered in Arachosia and Gandhara, bridged Hellenistic, Parthian, and Indian cultures in the northwestern subcontinent. Minted at Taxila Sirsukh, this coin signifies Gondophares' authority and the economic vitality of his kingdom during a period of geopolitical shifts preceding the Kushan ascendancy. His reign is also traditionally associated with the Apostle Saint Thomas.

Artistry: The coin's artistic execution reflects the syncretic stylistic school of the Indo-Parthian realm. Anonymous engravers combined Parthian numismatic traditions, such as the diademed bust on the obverse, with Hellenistic iconographic elements. The reverse typically features a deity or the king on horseback, accompanied by characteristic bilingual legends in Greek and Kharoshthi. The Taxila Sirsukh mint likely imparted a distinctive local rendering to these established motifs, showcasing a unique cultural blend.

Technical/Grading: Struck on a 9.9-gram, 22-millimeter billon flan, this tetradrachm exhibits technical qualities typical for the series. High-points prone to wear or strike weakness include the king's diadem, hair, and facial features on the obverse, and the rider's head or horse's musculature on the reverse. The billon alloy often yields a granular surface and can show minor flan irregularity or strike weakness, especially along the periphery.