🪙 Coin Type: 1 Drachma
⚔️ Ruler: Bhartrdāman, son of Rudrasena
🕰️ Period: Circa 278–295 AD
💠 Dynasty: Western Kshatrapas (Indo-Scythian)
🟣 Grade: EF40 – Extremely Fine, with high relief and clear details
This stunning silver drachma was struck under the reign of Bhartrdāman, a lesser-seen but historically significant ruler of the Western Kshatrapa dynasty, which played a crucial role in the ancient Indian numismatic and political landscape. The dynasty ruled over a large part of western and central India and issued bilingual coins in Greek and Brahmi scripts.
🔄 Obverse: Right-facing bust of King Bhartrdāman, showing intricate royal attire and sharp features.
🏞️ Reverse: A sacred Chaitya (three-arched hill) with a flowing river below, crescent moon and sun symbols above, surrounded by a full Brahmi legend.
🔤 Brahmi Legend:
“rajno mahakshatrapasa rudrasenaputrasa rajnah kshatrapasa bhartrdamnah”
🔍 Translation: “Of Raja Kshatrapa Bhartrdāman, son of Raja Mahāksatrapa Rudrasena.”
📊 Numista Rarity Index: 77 – considered quite scarce and highly desirable for collectors of ancient Indian and Indo-Scythian coinage.
📚 References:
Mitchiner AC# 2764
AMF# 29.1
Numista N#58170
This piece stands out for its sharp obverse bust and detailed reverse iconography. A rare opportunity to own a powerful symbol of regional sovereignty and Indo-Scythian numismatic artistry