1 Drachm - Bhartrdāman
| Silver | 1.96 g | 14 mm |
| Issuer | Western Satraps (Indo-Scythian Kingdom) |
|---|---|
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 278-295 |
| Value | 1 Drachm |
| Currency | Drachm (35-405) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 1.96 g |
| Diameter | 14 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-10 |
| Numista | N#53162 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 76% |
Reverse
Chaitya (3-arched hill), river below, crescent moon and sun above, Brahmi legend around
Lettering: rajno mahakshatrapasa rudrasenaputrasa rajno mahakshatrapasa bhartrdamnah
Translation: Of Raja Mahaksatrapa Bhartrdaman, son of Raja Mahaksatrapa Rudrasena' in Brahmi
Comment
Refer to Plate XV. (666-72) of Catalogue of Indian Coins in the British Museum - Andhra dynasty, the Western Ksatrapas, the Traikutaka & Bodhi dynasty - by Edward Rapson (1908)
Bhartrdāman as Mahāksatrapa (AMF 29.2.x)
Reference - Ancient Indian Coins, A Comprehensive Catalogue - Wilfried Pieper
As per Pieper, there are 4 variations noted for coins of Bhartrdāman as Mahāksatrapa
Ref # 3406 "old style"
Obv: King's bust, corrupt Greek, date
Rev: Rajno Mahaksatrapasa Rudrasenaputrasa Rajno Mahaksatrapasa Bhartrdamna
Known dates (SE): 204, 205, 206, 207, 208, 209, 210, 211, 212
(SCWS 29.2.212; ISCH 356.32D/ courtesy A. Fishman)
Ref # 3407 “new style”
Obv: Smaller bust, deeper strike
Rev: same legend
Known dates (SE): 211, 212, 213, 214, 215, 216, 217
(SCWS 29.3.213; ISCH 356.33D/ courtesy A. Fishman)
Ref # 3408 (with reversed sun and moon)
Obv: Small bust of king
Rev: Same legend, sun and moon reversed
(SCWS 29.3R/ courtesy A. Fishman)
Ref # 3409 (without the sun)
Obv: Small bust of king
Rev: Same legend, sun is omitted
(SCWS 29.4/ courtesy A. Fishman)
Image credits: Ancient Indian Coins, A Comprehensive Catalogue - Wilfried Pieper
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features a unique blend of Indian and Greek influences in its design. The obverse side of the coin depicts a portrait of King Bhartrdaman, while the reverse side features a representation of the Greek goddess Athena, highlighting the cultural exchange and syncretism that occurred during the Indo-Scythian period.
Price
| Date | Mintage | VG | F | VF | XF | AU | UNC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ND (278-295) | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Values in the table are based on evaluations by sales realized on Internet platforms. They serve as an indication only for 1 Drachm - Bhartrdāman (278-295) coin.
