Kushans, Huvishka (c.151-190 AD), gold dinar, 'MAO' (Moon god) type, main mint in Baktria (Balkh?), Gobl 150, 21.86mm; 7.87g. 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, loose-fitting 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 ÞAONANOÞAO O OHÞKI KOÞANO (Huvishka the Kushan, King of Kings) around. Rev: Moon God Mao standing, lunar "horns" at shoulders, facing left, wearing cloak around shoulders clasped at chest over tunic, holding a long scepter in his left hand and right hand on hip, small sword hung from his waist; Bactrian legend MAO (Moon god) in the right field, a tamgha with crossbar in the left field, dotted border around.
A clear and well-centered example, with an attractive appearance, Good very fine, Very rare.
Mao is the Kushan representation of the Iranian lunar deity 'Mah', derived from Zoroastrian tradition and associated with destiny, prosperity, and cosmic order. He is often shown with a crescent emerging from his shoulders, symbolizing his connection to the moon. In this very rare type, the lunar deity is seen holding in left hand a long scepter, and not the hilt of his sword as on the common type.
Provenance: P.R. Krishna Collection
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