2022-11-14 Mon

Hippocrates was an Indo-Greek ruler who ruled the part of central and north-western Punjab and Pushkalavati between 65 BC and 55 BC. He sat on the throne of Indo-Greek after Apollodotus II, like Apollodutus, he also called himself a 'Soter' or 'Saviour'. After sitting on the throne, Hippocrates successfully fought against Indo-Scythian invaders, led by the Scythian king Azes I, but was ultimately defeated and became the last western Indo-Greek king.

This silver tetradrachm which weighs around 9.73g was issued by Hippocrates after sitting on the throne of Indo-Greek. The obverse side of this silver tetradrachm features the bust facing right, Greek legend BASILEOS SOTEROS IPPOSTRATOU around. The reverse side of the coin depicts Goddess standing facing, head to left, wearing Kalathas, holding a cornucopia and raising their hand in benediction; the monogram Kharoshthi letter to the right, Kharoshthi legend Maharajasa Tratarasa Hipustratasa around.

Image Courtesy: Classical Numismatic Gallery