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 Replies: 10 / Views: 2,626 |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
10045 Posts |
This coin arrived today with my Alexander the Great drachm. Ever since I saw the traveling exhibit on Greco-Bactrian art which included coins, I've wanted to own one myself. When I saw this one with good centering and a particularly nice reverse and a good price, I had to get it.   Menander. Circa 155-130 BC. AR Drachm. Taxila mint Diademed heroic bust left, with aegis and spear / Athena Alkidemos left; monogram. Ref: Bop_07 2.35gr 18mm Here are a few Greco-Bactrian coins and artifacts from the exhibit: Tetradrachms of several kings  Gold stater     Edited by DVCollector
02/02/2012 01:53 am
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1315 Posts |
Very nice coin.
Collecting ancients is a great way to collect ancient art.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2596 Posts |
Nice coin and very interesting pictures I like the sword handle that looks really neat. And the chariot being pulled by sphynx? or lions thats neat too. What is the other thing is that a gold crown? The coins are all very nice and I think you made yourself a good purchcase there is lots of details on that coin, very interesting design.
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Bedrock of the Community
 United States
10045 Posts |
Quote:
What is the other thing is that a gold crown? Yes, it's a gold crown--it was stunning in person! The circular object shows Cybele's chariot. A bit of trivia--all these objects were hidden by museum staff in Kabul, Afghanistan when the Taliban took control. If they hadn't kept the secret, these items may have been lost forever. I'm very happy about the detail on that coin. Something I only noticed when the coin arrived, is that Athena's shield has a face on it. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2596 Posts |
Thats right now I see the face. wow Great details on that coin! Like the art you posted with it I think I have a new interest to add to my already too many likes. Great... now I'm going to die broke and always hunting that new coin haha
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1315 Posts |
The face is probably that of Medusa...........cool shield.
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Moderator
 United States
23731 Posts |
That is a really nice coin. I might have to try and find one of these for my collection. The artifacts are beautiful.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1315 Posts |
Alkidemos 'Protector of the people'. That looks like Zeus's thunderbolt in the raised hand.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1549 Posts |
There are several bust types for Menander but this is the one I really like. Menander comes with interesting history so be sure to read up on him. Much of the information is less than certain and coins play a role in what is thought to be true. The Wikipedia article on him includes a large number of coin photos. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Menander_I |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
10045 Posts |
Doug, thanks for the link! I've read somewhere that a few of the Bactrian kings would be unknown, except for their coins. Alkidemos 'Protector of the people'. That looks like Zeus's thunderbolt in the raised hand. Yes, it's very obviously a thunderbolt. The helmet on Athena is distinctly Bactrian; it's similar in style to the helmets on the tetradrachms above. The shield-like object is gilt silver and just 6" across. The face with the rays is Helios/Apollo, then the Moon and Venus. Quote:
The face is probably that of Medusa...........cool shield. Yes, it must be the Gorgon! Edited by DVCollector
02/02/2012 3:52 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3229 Posts |
Cool coin(s), history, and art! Thanks for sharing!  |
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Replies: 10 / Views: 2,626 |
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Posted 02/02/2012 02:24 am
