Lot 10037 – Kushanas, Kanishka I, c. 127-152, Nana, AV dinar, 7.79 g.

Kushanas, Kanishka I, c. 127-152, AV dinar, 7.62 g. (20 mm). Obverse: Kanishka I standing facing, head left, with long beard, flame emanating from right shoulder, wearing round cap with two ribbons to right, cloak around shoulders and belted tunic, trousers, and boots, sacrificing with right hand over altar at left, grounded spear in left hand, dotted border beneath feet, encircled by Bactrian legend ÞAONANOÞAO KA NhÞKI KOÞANO (King of kings, Kanishka Kushan). Reverse: Goddess Nana standing right, nimbate, holding bowl and sceptre, tamgha at right, with Bactrian legend NANAÞAO.

F-VF details, vertical scratch on the king, minor scratches on the reverse, edge cut on the reverse at 9 o’clock.

An important coin that shows the special place of the Iranian deity Nana in Kanishka’s early coinage; on this type the goddess is named Nanashao, Royal Nana.

Ex Chand Collection 1.1.13