Lot 2341

Description

Kanishka I, (c.A.D. 232-260), gold stater, (7.85 grams), obv. king standing, head turned left, holding tall standard in left hand, sacrificing with right hand over cylindrical altar, flames (?) emanate from his coat, legend around, rev. Miiro (Mithra) nimbate and radiate, standing to left, wearing diaphanous dhoti and holding short sword, behind legend downwards MIIPO, (Gobl 31, M.3061). Very fine and rare.

Ex. Christie's London Sale October 16, 1979 (lot 109). $$ A very similar specimen in better condition was present in the Dr. Lawrence Brilliant Collection of Kushan gold, in the Spink-Taisei, Singapore sale 9 (lot 7 and it realised US$1550 + 10%). Miiro is the solar goddess, the Mithra of the Irano-Aryan tradition. The obverse is the standard representation of Kanishka on his coinage. He boasts a long beard, wears a long-sleeved short coat, and a conical cap, a thin coat on top is blowing in the winds.