Indo-Greek Kingdoms. Antimachos II (160 – 155BC)
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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