Ancient India ; Indo-Greek ; Apollodotus I ; Silver Drachm

Description

c(Indian weight standard) ;
Circulation Era : 174 – 165 BCE ; Weight : 2.37 grams ; Extremely High Grade evenly patinated specimen with complete legends on both Obverse & Reverse, deep high relief strike.
Obverse: Elephant walking towards right.
Greek legend on three sides: BAΣIΛEΩΣ AΠOΛΛOΔOTOY ΣΩTHPOΣ
Monogram below.
Reverse: Humped Bull 🐂 standing facing right.
Kharoshthi legend on three sides: MaHaRaJaSa APaLaDaTaSa TRaTaRaSa
Monogram below.

P.S: This was an Indian style & standard coin that replaced the previously unsuccessful round specimen which lacked popularity & ease of acceptance in India locally thus it was withdrawn & these square Drachms were introduced to match up with the coins that were commonly in circulation locally as the Karshapana units which were majorly in square / rectangular shape.