INDIA, Kushan Empire. Huvishka. Circa AD 151-190. AV Dinar (21.5mm, 7.63 g, 12h). Main mint in Baktria (Balkh?). Late phase. VF.

Triton XXVII
Lot: 422. Estimated: $ 20 000

Central Asian, Coin-in-Hand Video, Gold

Sold For $ 40 000. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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INDIA, Kushan Empire. Huvishka. Circa AD 151-190. AV Dinar (21.5mm, 7.63 g, 12h). Main mint in Baktria (Balkh?). Late phase. ÞαO(retrograde h)α(retrograde h)OÞα O O OhÞKI KOÞα[(retrograde h)O], crowned and diademed bust left on clouds, holding mace scepter and goad; flames over shoulder / ΔЄ(retrograde h)ЄICO to right, Dionysos standing right, holding kantharos in right hand and wineskin over left shoulder in left hand; tamgha to left. MK –, but cf. 255 (for obv.); Cribb & Bracey series 112, coin d (this coin); ANS Kushan –; Donum Burns –; Zeno –. Lightly toned, traces of deposits, areas of double strike, scrapes, edge marks, minor smoothing in fields, holed and plugged. VF. Extremely rare, none in CoinArchives or Zeno, the first time at auction.

While Dionysos – apart from his image on this dinar – is otherwise unknown among the Kushan pantheon shown on the coinage, he is prevalent in Kushan sculpture. Carrying a wineskin over his shoulder, as well as a kantharos, is unusual for the god in his traditional appearances. Nevertheless, it is a common motif in Dionysiac scenes in Gandhara, and thus, more representative to local viewers.

For more detailed information on Dionysiac imagery in Kushan art, See Martha Carter’s published dissertation, “Dionysiac Aspects of Kushān Art,” in Ars Orientalis Vol. 7 (1968).

The final winners of all Triton XXVII lots will be determined at the live public sale that will be held on 9-10 January 2024.

Triton XXVII – Session Two – Lot 338–647 will be held Tuesday afternoon, 9 January 2024 beginning at 2:00 PM ET.

Winning bids are subject to a 22.5% buyer's fee for bids placed on this website and 25% for all others.

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