Kushans, Huvishka (c.150-180 AD), gold dinar, 'MIIÞO' (Sun god Miiro) type, subsidiary mint in Gandhara (Peshawar?), Gobl 291, 20.05mm; 7.70g. Obv: Crowned half-length bust of Huvishka, facing left, emerging from clouds, wearing a tunic with jeweled collar, flames emanating from right shoulder, round helmet with crest ornament, twin-pronged forehead ornament, diadem with triangular tie and 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, extending right arm raised in benediction, filleted scepter behind, holding hilt of sword in left hand; Bactrian legend MIIÞO (Miiro) in the right field, a tamgha in the left field, dotted border around.
Fully legible legend, Very fine, 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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