Kshatrapas And Onwards

Now we are cooking with Crisco. I have a ton of coins to share. Go back and search and see, for the last couple years I have been muddling around India nearly alone...

Thought you would (or at least should) be interested in that area. (How about Mauryan and Sungas?)




Thanks and please do, I have only coins from half a dozen of the Western Satraps and the above Visvasena is the only one with a clear date.

OK some similar and some different all interesting...

...it would be tough to post my 20 Satraps but I will select an interesting piece...

I saw you posted a Maitrakas of Valabi, I have a special one...

India, Gujarat
Maitrakas of Valabi (470-800 AD)
In the name of Bhattaraka (470-492)
BI Drachm 12mm x 1.80 grams
Obverse Bust of Bhattaraka wearing satrapal cap, right.-No Legend
Reverse: Trident with curved prongs and side arm, Brahmi legend- RAJNO MAHAKSATRAPA RAMADITYA BHAKTA MAHASAMANTA SRI SARVVA BHATTARAKASA.
Ref: Mitchiner ACW 4892-4896
Note: Rare. Good quality early type, naming Bhattaraka.
ex. Fishman 2013

One of my Favorites...Read Carefully and you will know why...

The Western Kshatrapas
(The Western Satraps of India)
Isvaradatta, (Abhira intruder,unknown dynasty)
164-165 SE (242-243AD)
AR Karshapana as Mahaksatrapa
Chief Mint Mint B?
dated Year 1. or 164 SE or 242 AD
15.0 mm x 2.10 g
Obverse: Bust of Isvaradatta right wearing Satrapal Cap. date in Brahmi numerals regal Year 1 behind bust, Corrupt Greek Iinscription.
Reverse: Crescent on a three arched hill over a wavy line, crescent in the left field and sun in the right field, Brahmi inscription Rajno MaHaKsaTraPaSa ISvaRaDaTtaSa Varse PraThaMe(Of Raja Mahaksatrapa Isvaradatta, in the First Year)
ref:Fishman #24.2.1 pg.209

It is thought that this gentleman was a foreign invader who temporarily dethroned the reigning king Vijayasena, acting as supreme ruler for about 1 and a half years, until the throne was recovered by Vijayasena in 164/5 SE. His coins are dated in Saka Era, like all other things. (I have his coin but that's for a different thread)

All coins of Isvaradatta are very Rare but yr. 2 overstrikes are oober rare.

Wow those are insanely cool, how much did you pay for those? If they're in my price range I would love to have some once I get my paycheck :P

Alex Fishman just wrote a wonderful comprehensive catalog for these coins, all of my coins from his collection. Under his consul I procured many of these coins. Some are dated and near mint state. The common emperors can be had for about $50-75 for mint state, now. As India's economy emerges and information is more widely accessible the demand for these coins has increased dramatically. These coins in general are fairly common, and until the pioneering work of Dr. Fishman has remained largely understudied. Many for these coins have a readable date in Saka Era. (Starting March 22/3 AD 78. If the Saka Date reads, for example 169 add 78 and you have AD 247.) Now, a complete time line can be established opening the door for for understanding of the coinage and genealogy of the Dynasty(s).


I like the common guys affordable in mint state beautiful high purity dated coins for not a lot of money. Get'em while they are hot!

My advice to the member who wants to get some with his check, get them from here an no wheres else. I have dealt with Dr. Fishman for years and has a great site with new stuff added all the time. I hadn't been there in a while bit wow!

http://www.numismall.com/



Everyone loves maps!

Nahapana coins are fairly scarce but have been popping up quite often as of late.

Its rather hard to find one as complete as this...

Silver with (believe it or not) a thick brown patina.

@ Chris

A wonderful coin indeed. Your coin, dated year 164 of the Saka Era, AD 242. (Behind the Bust.) Issued by Vijayasena when he was Maka-Strapa...(Emperor)

The reverse legend reads Rajno MaHaKsaTraPaSa DaMaSeNaSaPuTraSa RaJnoH MaHaKstrapTsa ViJaYaSeNaSa