Ancient India ; Indo-Greek ; Apollodotus I ; Silver Drachm (Indian weight standard) ; Circulation Era : 174 – 165 BCE

Description

Ancient India ; Indo-Greek ; Apollodotus I ;
Silver Drachm (Indian weight standard) ;
Circulation Era : 174 – 165 BCE ; Weight: 2.30 grams ;
Very Fine+, evenly patinated specimen with beautiful rainbow 🌈 toning, 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the previously unsuccessful round specimen which lacked popularity & ease of acceptance in India locally thus it was withdrawn & these square Drachms were introduced to match up with the coins that were commonly in circulation locally as the Karshapana units which were majorly in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.