© Amit Kher (CC BY-NC)
© Amit Kher (CC BY-NC)
1 Drachm - Vijayasena
| Silver | 2.33 g | 14.72 mm |
| Issuer | Western Satraps (Indo-Scythian Kingdom) |
|---|---|
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 238-239 |
| Value | 1 Drachm |
| Currency | Drachm (35-405) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 2.33 g |
| Diameter | 14.72 mm |
| Thickness | 1.86 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-10 |
| Numista | N#427577 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 97% |
Reverse
Chaitya (3-arched hill), river below, crescent moon and sun above, Brahmi legend around
Lettering: rajno mahakshatrapasa damasenasaputrasa rajnah kshatrapasa vijayasenasa
Comment
Refer to Plate xiv (488-494) of Catalogue of Indian Coins in the British Museum - Andhra dynasty, the Western Ksatrapas, the Traikutaka & Bodhi dynasty - by Edward Rapson (1908)
variant
Vijayasena was the third of four sons of Dāmasena who came to the throne. He issued coins as kshatrapa in the years 160 and 161, perhaps while his brother Yasodāman was still on the throne, and then coins as mahakshatrapa starting in the years 162. His last known coins are dated 172 (info credit CoinIndia)
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 Vijayasena, while the reverse side features a representation of the Greek goddess Athena, highlighting the cultural exchange and fusion that occurred during the Indo-Scythian period.
