2020-11-10 Tue

The Indo-Scythian or Saka were the nomadic people; who came from Central Asia and later made their way into Bactria in the second century BCE. They were the group of Iranian people of Saka and were of Scythian origin. They migrated southward into western and northern South Asia from the middle of the 2nd century BC to the 4th century AD.

Zeionises was the ruler of Indo-Scythians, he ruled the part of the Indian subcontinent around 10 BCE – 10 CE but lost his territory to the invasion of the Indo-Parthians.

This silver Tetradrachm that weighs around 9.8g was issued by him during his rule. The obverse of this coin depicts ‘king in Parthian attire and holding whip on horseback, Buddhist Triratna ("three Jewels") to right’. The reverse of this coin is inscribed as ‘king standing right, being crowned with a wreath by Tyche standing left, holding cornucopia, monograms to left and right’.

Image Courtesy: Todywalla Auction