Lot 10043 – Kushanas, Kanishka I, c. 127-152, Mao, AV dinar, 8.00 g.

Kushanas, Kanishka I, c. 127-152, AV dinar, 8.00 g. (20 mm). Obverse: Kanishka I standing facing, head left, flame from right shoulder, wearing round cap, cloak around shoulders and tunic, trousers, and boots, sacrificing with right hand over altar at left, spear in left hand, encircled by Bactrian legend ÞAONANOÞAO KA NhÞKI KOÞANO (King of kings, Kanishka Kushan). Reverse: lunar deity Mao standing left, holding scepter and raising a hand in blessing, lunar crescents on shoulders, Bactrian legend MAO, tamgha in left field.

EF, sharp details, all around nice underlying lustre, well-centred and fully legible, very attractive appearance.

The Iranian lunar deity Mao, here depicted as warlike with a sword in belt, replaced the Greek moon god Selene.

Ex Chand Collection 4.99.04