Obverse:
The obverse depicts the crowned and diademed King Kanishka standing facing, holding a spear and performing a ritual sacrifice over a small fire altar positioned to his left.
A Bactrian/Greek-derived royal legend surrounds the figure, identifying the Kushan ruler.
The sacrificial scene portrays Kanishka as a powerful ruler actively participating in a religious ceremony, a characteristic feature of his imperial coinage.
Reverse:
The reverse depicts Mithra (Miiro), the solar deity, standing facing left.
Mithra is shown holding the hilt of a sword with his left hand and extending his right hand in a gesture of blessing or benediction. A distinctive radiate nimbus surrounds his head, symbolising his solar nature.
The Bactrian legend “MIOPO / MIIPO” appears to the right, while the Kushan tamgha is placed to the left.
Coin Details:
Ruler: Kanishka I
Dynasty: Kushan Empire
Reign: c. 127–150 CE
Period: 2nd Century CE
Denomination: Copper Tetradrachm
Metal: Copper
Weight: 15.85 g
Diameter: 25.71 mm
Condition: About Very Fine
Obverse: Kanishka standing and sacrificing at altar
Reverse: Solar deity Mithra (Miiro) standing left
Reverse Legend: “MIOPO / MIIPO” in Bactrian
Script: Bactrian
Symbol: Kushan Tamgha
Type: King & Mithra / Miiro
Age: Approximately 1,875–1,900 years old
Historical Background:
Kanishka I was one of the greatest rulers of the Kushan Empire, which at its height connected large parts of Central Asia, Afghanistan, Pakistan and northern India.
The Kushans controlled important trade routes linking the Indian subcontinent with Central Asia and the wider Silk Road. Their coinage consequently reflects an extraordinary mixture of artistic and religious traditions.
Kanishka’s coins are particularly important because they portray a wide range of deities from Indian, Iranian, Central Asian and Hellenistic religious traditions. The present coin, featuring Mithra, is an excellent example of this multicultural character.
Mithra – The Solar Deity:
Mithra, represented on Kushan coins by the Bactrian name Miiro, was an important deity of the ancient Iranian religious tradition associated with light, the sun, truth and divine protection.
The most striking feature of his representation is the radiate nimbus around his head, visually identifying his solar character. His blessing gesture and sword further emphasise his divine and protective nature.
Numismatic Significance:
The large copper tetradrachm was an important denomination within the Kushan monetary system. The 15.85-gram weight and approximately 25.7 mm diameter place this specimen firmly within the substantial copper coinage associated with Kanishka’s reign. Museum examples of the same general type are recorded with comparable weights around 15.5–16.8 grams.
This coin is particularly interesting because it brings together:
• Kanishka’s royal portrait and ritual sacrifice
• The Iranian solar deity Mithra / Miiro
• Bactrian language and script
• Kushan imperial tamgha
• Hellenistic-influenced royal imagery
• Religious traditions from across the Kushan world
Collector’s Appeal:
An excellent addition to collections specialising in Kanishka I, Kushan Empire coinage, ancient copper tetradrachms, Mithra/Miiro coins, Bactrian-script coins, ancient Central Asian coinage, Iranian religious iconography and 2nd-century CE Indian and Central Asian numismatics.
A remarkable 15.85-gram copper tetradrachm, approximately 1,875–1,900 years old, depicting one of the most important Kushan emperors alongside the radiant solar deity Mithra (Miiro) — a superb representation of the cosmopolitan religious world of the Kushan Empire.
