Artwork Page for Coin: Havishka (obverse)

Details / Information for Coin: Havishka (obverse)

Coin: Havishka (obverse)

c. 106–149 CE

India, Mathura, Kushan period

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Medium
gold
Measurements
Diameter: 2.2 cm (7/8 in.)
Credit Line
Anonymous Gift 1999.227.a
Public Domain
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Location
242A Ancient India
Print

Description

This gold coin represents the reign of the Kushana ruler, Havishka. The coin bears a portrait of the ruler on the obverse and various deities on the reverse. It is identified by inscriptions in Kharosthi, the language used in northwestern India during the Kushan period.
One side of a gold coin shows a stylized profile of a figure facing left. Wearing a tall, dotted helmet and a garment with circular patterns, the figure holds a slender staff in their right hand. A thin halo encircles the head, while raised symbols follow the coin's uneven border. The metal surface has a warm gold tone and a hammered, tactile texture with some details smoothed along the rough edge.

Coin: Havishka (obverse)

c. 106–149 CE

India, Mathura, Kushan period

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