Hemi-Obol - Theophilus

Features

Issuer	Indo-Greek Kingdom (India (ancient))
King	Theophilus (Θεόφιλος της Ινδίας) (circa 90 BC)
Type	Standard circulation coins
Year	90 BC
Value	Hemiobol (1⁄12)
Currency	Drachm (200 BC to 10 AC)
Composition	Copper
Weight	7.44 g
Size	20 × 19 mm
Shape	Square (irregular)
Technique	Hammered
Orientation	Variable alignment ↺
Demonetized	Yes
Number	N# 570377
References	MIG# 375a Michael Mitchiner. Indo-Greek and Indo-Scythian Coinage. Hawkins Publications, London, United Kingdom (9 volumes). , Bop# 4a Osmund Bopearachchi; 1991. Monnaies gréco-bactriennes et indo-grecques = Greco-Bactrian and Indo-Greek coins. Bibliothèque nationale de France, Paris, France.

Obverse

Bust of Hercules right; wearing lion headress; Greek lettering around

Script: Greek

Lettering:
BAΣIΛEΩΣ
ΔIKAIOY
ΘEOΦIΛOY

Unabridged legend: Basileos Dikaiou Theophilou

Translation: of King Theophilus, the just

Reverse

Cornucopia with Kharoshthi legend around

Script: Kharosthi

Unabridged legend:
maharajasa
dhramiasa
theuphilasa

Translation: of King Theophilus, the just

Comments

This is a remarkable coin in several ways. It is the only Indo-Greek coin to feature a cornucopia as the basic design element on the reverse. The pairing of a Herakles obverse with a cornucopia reverse is even more noteworthy, as the cornucopia has no significance for Herakles. Perhaps the king was conveying to his subjects his ability to maintain both political and economic well-being? Third, the word for "the just" is rendered dhramiasa rather than the normal dhramikasa.

- CoinIndia.com

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Date					VG	F	VF	XF	AU	UNC
Undetermined
ND (-90)

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