This is probably one of the rarest coins in my collection from a well known series, the indo scythian empire. The coin belongs to a fairly popular king, Maues, of whom there are plenty of coins around in various forms. This type however is one I had not seen before, and I found 5 other specimens after extensive searching on public catalogues. Overall the coin is in immaculate condition as well, The red patches seem to be either a natural effect due to coins from a certain location (as i have seen a bunch of other coins with the same patina style) or is a result of a specific cleaning technique. What we are looking at on the Obverse is Zeus standing, holding a sceptre which ends in what is assumed to be a lotus bud in some references, and extending his right arm, he holds a torc, a kind of neck ring. (typical of Maues coins) Greek legend: Basileos Basileon Megalou Mauou On the reverse however, we have an anonymous male figure, draped, seemingly holding some kind of stick? or thats just his muscles, and wearing what might be a kausia or a plieus. The monogram is really nice as well. Legend in Kharosthi/ - Rajatirajasa Mahatasa Moasa Ref: Senior 18.1 Maues, 125-85BC Indo scythian empire. What do you guys think?
Coinindia is comprehensive but misses out on a few types of coins. I believe the owner uploads from his own collection.
I thought Coinindia was from a university or other educational institution, I'm probably wrong because it does not have an "About us" page.
It's a safe site. I know the operator. The site is run by Paul Stevens, author of The Coins of the English East India Company. He builds it all by hand, 1995-style, and does not use SSL certificates. The site doesn't ask you for any login, personal information, or anything like that. It is just coin information and Javascript menus.
Pankaj Tandon is a private collector and scholar. He has a vcoins store, and runs the American branch of the Oriental Numismatic Society. It is an educational institution with international reach, but not affiliated with a college or university. I once gave a lecture on Nabataean coinage at their annual meeting at NYINC. Here is a link to the ONS.
