INDO-SKYTHIANS. Azes, circa 58-12 BC. Tetradrachm (Silver, 31 mm, 9.31 g, 12 h), uncertain mint in Gandhara. BAΣIΛEΩΣ BAΣIΛEΩN MEΓAΛOY / AZOY Zeus standing left, holding torque in his raised right hand and long filleted scepter in his left. Rev. 'Maharajasa raja rajasa Ayasa' (in Karoshti) Nike standing right, holding wreath in her right hand and palm frond over her left shoulder; to lower right, monogram. HGC 12, 625. MIG Type 737a. Senior 76.4T. Perfectly struck on a very broad broad flan and exceptionally well preserved, very likely the finest known example. Very light marks on the obverse, otherwise, good extremely fine.



Whereas earlier scholarship assumed the existence of two kings named Azes, it is now generally accepted that there was only a single ruler of that name. He was probably based initially in eastern Gandhara and gradually extended his rule to western Gandhara as well, becoming the most powerful ruler in the region. His innovative coinage draws on both Greek and local iconography; particularly striking are the consistently bilingual inscriptions, with Greek on the obverse and Kharosthi on the reverse, as well as the complete absence of royal portraits.

The technical and stylistic quality of these coins varies considerably: alongside fine issues in an accomplished style and of high-quality silver, there are billon and bronze pieces that are markedly inferior in both style and execution. Our specimen is probably the finest known coin of Azes. Its outstanding style and superb strike show that the king, at least at times, had access to highly skilled die engravers and mint workers.