Kushans, Huvishka (c.150-180 AD), gold dinar, 'MIIÞO' (Sun god Miiro) type, main mint in Baktria (Balkh?), Gobl 138, 19.60mm; 7.88g. Obv: Crowned half-length bust of Huvishka, facing left, emerging from clouds, wearing a moustache and heavy sideburns, with a prominent wart on the cheek, tunic with jeweled collar, flames emanating from right shoulder, round helmet with crest ornament, twin-pronged forehead ornament, and a jewelled rim, diadem with triangular tie and double ladder-like ribbons to right, holding mace-sceptre and the hilt of his sword, Bactrian legend ÞhOhAhOÞAO O OhÞKI KOÞAhO around. Rev: The Sun god Miiro (Mithra), standing facing, nimbate and radiate, head left, wearing cloak around shoulders with chevron patterning, extending arm raised in benediction and holding hilt of sword in other hand; Bactrian legend MIIÞO (Miiro) in the right field, a tamgha in the left field, dotted border around.
An attractive lustrous specimen featuring a magnificent strike, with full details and attributes distinctly visible in the portraits of Huvishka and Miiro.
Uncirculated, Very rare.
Huvishka's coinage reflects the remarkable syncretism of the Kushan pantheon, combining Iranian, Indian and Greco-Roman deities. On reverse, the Sun god Miiro, the Bactrian form of the Iranian deity Mithra, is depicted as the radiant guardian of light, truth and divine covenant. This reflects the Kushan policy of incorporating diverse religious traditions within the imperial pantheon.
Provenance: P.R. Krishna Collection
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