Indo-Greek Kingdoms, AR fouree drachm, Hermaeus w. Calliope

Indo-Greek Kingdoms. Hermaeus Soter (90 – 70BC)

Hermaeus Soter was one of the last Indo-Greek kings, ruling in Gandhara and the Kabul Valley, likely during the mid-1st century BC. His reign marked the transition from Indo-Greek to Indo-Scythian rule, as his kingdom eventually fell to the Yuezhi-Kushans and Indo-Scythians (Saka rulers)

AR fouree drachm (2.01 g)

A fourrée drachm refers to a plated coin — a base metal core (often copper or bronze) covered with a thin layer of silver. These were likely official emergency issues

OBVERSE:  BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΣΩTHPOΣ EPMAIOY KAI KAΛΛIOΠHΣ, jugate busts of Hermaeus and Calliope, both diademed and draped, right.

Calliope, the Greek Muse of Epic Poetry, is a unique and intriguing feature of Indo-Greek coinage. While most Indo-Greek kings featured Greek deities like Zeus, Athena, or Apollo, Hermaeus’ choice of Calliope suggests a connection to Greek literary and cultural identity, even as his kingdom faced increasing pressure from Indo-Scythians and Yuezhi invaders

REVERSE: Maharajasa tratarasa Hiramayasa Kaliyapaya (in Kharosthi), Hermaios, in military attire, on horse rearing right, bow in bow case and spear attached to saddle; monogram to lower right

VF. SCARES

References:

Z-184772 (this coin)

cngcoins.com (similar coin sold)

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