Indo-Parthian Tetradrachm Gondophares, Circa 1st Century AD

This Indo-Parthian tetradrachm was strongly influenced by the coinage of ancient Greece, including the featuring of a Greek legend. The obverse presents a king on horseback holding a whip, while the reverse is one of several variations primarily representing Zeus. The inscription translates to "great king of kings, divine and saviour, Gondophares Sases." When issued, the coin would have had a silver appearance. However, the composition is primarily bronze with only a small amount of silver, and over the two millennia since it was struck it has taken on the appearance of its primary metal. A certificate of authenticity and historical information page are included.

The Indo-Parthian kingdom was the largest sub-kingdom of the Parthian Empire, which at its peak expanded from Turkey to Eastern Iran. It was located west of the Parthian homeland and was founded in the late first century BC by the first of several kings named Gondophares—a Scythian or Saka king as well as the member of the Suren family, one of the seven major noble houses of the Parthians.

Gondophares, an old Persian word meaning "Winner of Glory" served as a title for the kings, and was used by many successors of the throne. The coinage of the Indo-Parthian was influenced heavily by the Parthian style.

The origin of the Indo-Parthians remains in dispute amongst scholars. However, it is certain that eventually they became independent of the Parthian empire and ruled over present day Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Northern India (Gandhara region). Their first capital city was Taxila in present-day south-central Pakistan. Later they shifted their capital city between Kabul and Peshawar.

Includes:
• Ancient Indo-Parthian Tetradrachm, Circa First Century AD

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