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 Replies: 9 / Views: 1,078 |
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Moderator
 United States
23731 Posts |
Just added another Menander I coin to my collection. From a long line of Indo-Greek Kings, the most noted ones are Apollodotus I and Menander I (Milinda). They both adopted the Buddhist faith and brought knowledge to their Kingdom. Menander I ruled a vast kingdom from North west India, Pakistan, and into Afghanistan. His Capital was located at Sagala in Pakistan. There is a famous Buddhist work titled "Milinda Panha" The questions of King Milinda, where he sat with a Buddhist Sage Nagasena and asked question which helped him to convert to the Buddhist faith. The text is available on the web if anyone is interested in reading it. I found it to be very informative. The coin: AE Unit 160-145 BC Obverse: Head of Elephant facing right with bell around it's neck. Greek legend: BASILLEOS SOTEROS MENANDROU Reverse: Club, with monogram and letter A, Kharoshthi legend: MAHARAJASA TRATARASA MENADRASA. Taxila mint 16mm x 3.9g x 12h Ref: Mitchiner 240a, Sear 7616   |
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Moderator
United States
34444 Posts |
Interesting post Ron and great square coin.
I wonder why you would put a bell on an elephant... Is it because otherwise you couldn't hear them tip-toeing around?
"If you climb a good tree, you get a push."
-----Ghanaian proverb
"The danger we all now face is distinguishing between what is authentic and what is performed."
-----King Adz
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Moderator
 United States
23731 Posts |
They are pretty sneaky and like to creep up behind you trumpet.  Actually I think it is because they are silent when they walk for their size, it's a way for the owner to keep track where they are. I may also be a Buddhist thing but I don't know. I know it's a sign of good luck when their trunk is curled up. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
6130 Posts |
Very nice! I have been eyeing this series for a while, but they don't tend to go as cheap as my usual suspects.
The tendency for Indian ancients to come in square shapes has always been interesting to me... I know the Mauryas did it with their coins, but I wonder if there is a cultural significance?
Certainly seems like it would take a lot more work to prepare the flan.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7066 Posts |
Nice little addition to your Indo-Greeks, Ron. Good pick-up.  |
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Moderator
United States
23731 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
836 Posts |
This is really cool read. I might have to look up that book you mentioned. I am a Philosophy Major, so sounds up my alley.
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Moderator
United States
23731 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
836 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
United Kingdom
2624 Posts |
Nice pickup, always interesting to break up the.monotony of round coins with a few square coins.
Indo-greeks also seems an interesting field to collect.
Congrats.
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Replies: 9 / Views: 1,078 |
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Posted 10/20/2016 7:14 pm
