Catalog
See full images - free registration
Continue with Google - no registration!
or register with email
Why register? Just to keep bots out of our catalog. Your email stays private - we will never share it or send you anything uninvited. We guarantee you that!
Tetradrachm - Imitation of Azes II
| Issuer | Indo-Scythian Kingdom |
|---|---|
| Year | 20 BC - 20 AD |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | Tetradrachm (4) |
| Currency | Log in to see details |
| Composition | Log in to see details |
| Weight | Log in to see details |
| Diameter | Log in to see details |
| Thickness | Log in to see details |
| Shape | Log in to see details |
| Technique | Log in to see details |
| Orientation | Log in to see details |
| Engraver(s) | Log in to see details |
| In circulation to | Log in to see details |
| Reference(s) | Log in to see details |
| Obverse description | King Azes II depicted on horseback, horse walking to right, rider shown in profile holding a whip or goad raised in the right hand. A tamgha symbol appears in the right field. The surrounding border carries a Greek legend, partially worn, with die-engraving characteristic of a local imitative workshop rather than a principal royal mint. The overall style is somewhat degenerate relative to prototype royal issues, consistent with a provincial or posthumous imitation. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Greek |
| Obverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Reverse description | Log in to see details |
| Reverse script | Log in to see details |
| Reverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Edge | Log in to see details |
| Mint | Log in to see details |
| Mintage | Log in to see details |
| Additional information |
Azes II remains one of the most contested figures in ancient numismatics — some scholars argue he never existed at all, with coins attributed to him representing a prolonged posthumous or imitative issue of Azes I continued by successor rulers who found the name dynastically useful. This piece falls squarely into that debate. The Senior 139 classification groups it among deliberate imitations, likely struck by local or regional authorities in the northwestern subcontinent who lacked the administrative apparatus of a centralized mint but needed acceptable currency for trade and taxation.
Billon content in this series varies considerably, suggesting episodic debasement rather than a controlled standard.