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 Replies: 14 / Views: 1,219 |
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Moderator
 United States
23731 Posts |
I haven't been buying and posting many coins lately money being tight. But I do at least try and buy a coin every month or so. Here is an addition to mu Kushan collection an AE tetradrachm of Soter Megas to go along with my drachm. VIMA TAKHA (SOTER MEGAS) Kushan Empire 80-100 AD AE Tetradrachm 20mm x 8.5 grams 13 ray crown Taxila mint MACW 2929   |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7066 Posts |
Nice example, Ron. I've just recently started branching a bit into Kushan AE's, and these Soter Megas issues are especially appealing . Congrats.
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Moderator
 United States
23731 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
1269 Posts |
Very nice. I really like the patina on that coin. Interesting portrait too.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5155 Posts |
I really enjoy the Kushan coins, its definitely an interesting culture for sure. Tribal nomads turned wealthy patriarchs of Greek art, myth and language.
Your coin has roundish text and what I think is 13 rays. The coin demonstrates a high level of artistic execution. There is a school of thought that suggests the number of rays above the head represent regal years. I don't know how well founded the theory is.
Your coin also benefits from the large amount of legend. Most of these have far less that is visible. Some more research into style might reveal the mint location.
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Moderator
United States
23731 Posts |
Well worth the $20 I paid for it.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7066 Posts |
Quote:
Well worth the $20 I paid for it. That's quite a bargain. I haven't been shopping around for Kushans for very long - maybe a year or so - but I think I've observed these Soter Megas issues moving upward in price over that time. |
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Moderator
United States
23731 Posts |
I've only started collecting this coin type in the last year, since than I've seen the prices doubled. So when I saw this one for only $20 I jumped on it.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4971 Posts |
nice lookin' soter megas ski! I think most of these are the "6 ray" type like mine, 13 is a bit scarce I think? here are my two coins...   |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7066 Posts |
Both nice, Chris, but that smaller denomination is truly exceptional...a beauty.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4971 Posts |
thanks BL...that was a great little ebay snag. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5155 Posts |
I agree, your small guy is the bomb.
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Moderator
United States
23731 Posts |
I agree that drachm is excellent.
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Valued Member
United States
129 Posts |
For the ignorant folks, what is 13 ray vs. 6 ray? Does it align with the aura above the head on the obverse, if so any symbolic meaning?
edit : re-read AN post on regal years corresponding with number of rays
Edited by captainyesterday555
05/02/2015 01:05 am
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4778 Posts |
Interesting coin Ron. The face looks Constantinian to this Romanophile.
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Replies: 14 / Views: 1,219 |
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Posted 04/30/2015 11:18 pm
