Kushan Empire, Huvishka (c.150-180 AD), gold ¼ dinar, 'NANAÞAO' (Goddess Nana) type, subsidiary mint in Gandhara (Peshawar?), early phase, Gobl 165, 13.51mm; 1.68g. 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 in right hand and the hilt of sword in left hand, Bactrian legend ÞANONOÞAO O-ONÞKI KOÞANO (Huvishka the Kushan, King of Kings) around. Rev: Goddess Nana (Nanashao), nimbate, standing facing, turned right, spiked hair held by diadem at back with ribbons to left, right knee bent as if taking a step, wearing loose fitting robe, holding a wand with horse protome in right hand at waist and bowl in left hand, hooked sword emerging from behind; Bactrian legend NANAÞAO (Nanashao) at left and tamgha with crossbar in right field, dotted border around.
An exceptionally rare coin, struck on a proof-like flan from high-relief dies.
No other examples in sales archives.
On the reverse appears the goddess Nanashao, the Bactrian form of the Iranian-Mesopotamian deity Nanaia, associated with war, fertility, power, and prosperity. Her inclusion on the coinage exemplifies the Kushan policy of embracing diverse religious traditions within the imperial pantheon, reinforcing the ruler's universal sovereignty and divine legitimacy.
View Lot