Lot 58

Ancient, Indo-Greeks, Hermaios with Calliope (90-70 BC), Silver Indian Drachm, 2.10 gms, 16.09 mm, Obverse: Diademed busts of king and queen to right, Greek legend around reading ‘BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΣΩTHPOΣ EPMAIOY KAI KAΛΛIOΠHΣ’ (of King and Saviour Hermaios and Calliope), Reverse: Helmetted king riding a horse to right, Kharoshthi legendaround partially reading ‘MaharajasaTratarasaHeramayasaKaliyapay’, Monogram below, Hermaios (c. 90–70 BC) was one of the last great Indo-Greek rulers, governing the Kabul Valley and parts of Arachosia during the twilight of the Indo-Greek Kingdom. His reign represents the final flourishing of Hellenistic rule in the region before the rise of the Kushans. The joint coinage issued with Queen Calliope is among the most remarkable dynastic issues of the Indo-Greek series, depicting both rulers by name and portrait. Such issues are exceptionally rare in the Indo-Greek coinage and underscore Calliope's significant political standing and the legitimacy of their shared rule, MIG # 408b, Bop # 2B, fine to very fine, rare.