INDIA, Kushan Empire. Kanishka I, circa 127/8-152. Tetradrachm (Bronze, 26 mm, 16.77 g, 12 h), main mint in Kapisha (Begram?). ÞAO ΚANηρKI ('King Kanishka' in Bactrian) Kanishka I standing front, head to left, sacrificing with his right hand over altar and holding trident in his left. Rev. [ΣAKA]MA BOYΔO ('Sakyamuni Buddha' in Bactrian) Shakyamuni Buddha standing facing, wearing monk's robes, raising his right in abhaya mudra (gesture of reassurance). ANS Kushan 616. Very rare. Minor corrosion spots, otherwise, good fine.


This interesting type belongs to a small series of coins featuring the earliest numismatic portrayals of Buddha. On this particular issue, we see Buddha as 'Shakyamuni' - the historical Buddha, a member of the Shakya clan. His clothes, posture and gesture identify him as a philosopher and spiritual teacher.