Lot 5023

Description

Kanishka I, (c.A.D. 232-260), gold stater, (7.7 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). Has been mounted, nearly fine and scarce.

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.