Ancient ; Kushan Dynasty ; Huvishka (160-190 CE) ; Gold Dinar, “Pharro’ (Fire-god) type ; Mint Balkh

Description

Ancient ; Kushan Dynasty ; Huvishka (160-190 CE) ; Gold Dinar, “Pharro’ (Fire-god) type ; Mint Balkh ; Obv: a diademed and half-length crowned ornamented bust facing left emerging from clouds, holding a mace-scepter in one hand and an elephant-goad (ankush) in the other hand, the Bactrian legend “þÄONANOþÃO OOnþKI KOÞANO” “Shaonashao Ooishki Koshano” (King of kings Huvishka the Kushan) around the field ; Rev: the fire-god Pharro, nimbate, standing facing the left, wearing a headgear tied at the back with ribbons fluttering behind, a caped upper garment, a knee-length skirt, and boots, holding a bowl of fire in his outstretched right hand and his left hand resting akimbo, a tamgha in the left field, the Bactrian legend “@aPP(0) (Pharro) in the right field, a dotted border around the field ; Weight : 8.07 Grams ; 20.18mm (Unlisted) ; Excellent quality ; Centrally struck, Extremely fine ; Exceedingly Rare ; Note: This specimen features characteristic details of the “Pharro” type but in the absence of other perfectly identical coins, its die can be marked as being particularly rare. The ribbon on the reverse being tied to Pharro’s head instead of his sword is commonly known.

Historical Note : The Kushans were one of the prosperous empires of India, established by Kujula Kadphises in 78 AD by gradually carving out a kingdom in the northwestern part of ancient India.
Huvishka was the 5th ruler of the Kushan Empire. He sat on the throne of the Kushan Empire after Kanishka I and ruled it until the succession of Vasudeva I. His rule is considered the golden age of the Kushan Empire. Huvishka issued varieties of coins in gold and copper after sitting on the throne of the Kushan Empire. King Huvishka; is known for including Iranian deities in his coinage, such as – Pharro, Ardoxsho, Atosho, Ahuramazda, Rishti, Asha Vahishta, and Shaoreoro, can be seen on his coins.