Azes I/II, after c. 58 BC, Indo-Scythians, AR Tetradrachm, NGC XF

Features of the Azes I/II, after c. 58 BC, Indo-Scythians, AR Tetradrachm, NGC XF:

• Denomination: Tetradrachm
• Metal: Silver
• Coinage Period: After 58 B.C.
• Obverse: King on horse
• Reverse: Athena standing

The Scythians were nomads who came out of central Asia and settled an area that spanned from India to Bulgaria. They were despised for their constant invasions, and over the course of almost a century, they destroyed the Greeks in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Scythia had many areas including Bactria, located where Afghanistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan meet today.

"The wise men of the east," as described by the Bible, were guided by the Star of Bethlehem to find baby Jesus. Christian tradition has the number as three wisemen (the Magi) named Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar. Some believe that Caspar was a representative sent by "The Great King" Azes II of ancient Bactria. His travels were financed by the silver Tetradrachms issued by Azes, who ruled the area from 35 B.C. to 5 A.D.

These coins were inspired by ancient Greek designs with a depiction of the King on horseback and a standing figure of Athena. The obverse legends are written in Greek and the reverse in Indian script. These coins are among the earliest bilingual coins.

With historical significance encased in each coin, these tetradrachms are sure to add value to any size collection. Each coin comes housed in a museum grade holder and has been certified by the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation.