Lot 1071 – Kushanas, Mahi, c. 300-305, AV dinar, 7.70 g. Ardoksho

Kushanas, Mahi, c. 300-305, AV dinar, 7.70 g. (19 mm). Obverse: Mahi, standing facing, head with halo left, wearing conical bejewelled hat, sacrificing over altar and holding staff; trident with ribbons to left, pu in Brahmi below arm, mahi in Brahmi to outer right, illegible Bactrian legend around. Reverse: the goddess Ardoksho enthroned, nimbate, facing, holding investiture garland and cornucopia, tamgha left.

A very rare and finely-detailed coin from Kushan ruler Mahi, who probably ruled in Gandhara and succeeded Vasudeva II, and one of the last Kushan emperors before the Kushan Empire was overwhelmed by the northern Kidarite invaders.

EF, well struck, strong details, lustre shows through, die crack at 6 o’clock, attractive details on the king’s outfit.

Ex Chand Collection British Museum no 1.5.21.