Ancient Kushan Empire – Huvishka
Elephant Rider Copper Tetradrachm | Miiro Type | 15.59 g
A striking large copper tetradrachm of Huvishka, one of the major rulers of the Kushan Empire. This 15.59-gram issue belongs to the celebrated Elephant Rider type, featuring the Kushan king riding an elephant on the obverse and the divine figure Miiro (Mithra) on the reverse.
The coin represents the extraordinary religious and cultural diversity of the Kushan Empire, where Central Asian, Iranian and Indian traditions came together in imperial coinage.
Obverse
The obverse depicts King Huvishka riding an elephant to the right, holding an elephant goad.
The elephant is an especially powerful symbol of royal authority, strength and imperial grandeur. The composition also demonstrates the distinctive Kushan practice of representing the ruler in an active, dynamic pose rather than simply as a static portrait.
Reverse
The reverse features the solar deity Miiro (Mithra) standing and extending his right hand in a gesture of blessing.
Miiro is identified through the Bactrian legend, while the Kushan tamgha appears in the field.
The deity’s association with the sun and divine protection adds considerable religious significance to the coin.
Coin Details
Empire: Kushan Empire
Ruler: Huvishka
Period: c. 155–190 CE
Century: 2nd Century CE
Denomination: Copper Tetradrachm
Metal: Copper
Weight: 15.59 g
Diameter: Approximately 25 mm
Obverse: Huvishka riding elephant right, holding elephant goad
Reverse: Miiro / Mithra standing, extending right hand
Legend: Bactrian
Symbol: Kushan Tamgha
Type: Elephant Rider / Miiro Type
Historical Background
Huvishka was one of the principal rulers of the Kushan Empire, following Kanishka I. His reign belongs to the period when Kushan power extended across large parts of Central Asia and northern India.
Kushan coinage under Huvishka is particularly remarkable for the extraordinary variety of deities represented. Iranian, Central Asian, Indian and other religious traditions appear across his coin series, making his coinage an important record of the multicultural world of the 2nd century CE.
The large copper tetradrachm was one of the principal denominations of the Kushan monetary system. Contemporary evidence shows that these heavy copper issues were produced at several mints and circulated extensively.
Miiro – The Solar Deity
Miiro is the Kushan/Bactrian form associated with Mithra, an important deity of the Iranian religious tradition connected with light, the sun, truth and divine protection.
His appearance on Huvishka’s coinage demonstrates the strong Iranian cultural influence within the Kushan Empire.
The combination of the royal elephant rider and solar deity creates an exceptionally distinctive type.
Why This Coin Is Special
- Rare and highly collectible Kushan type
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Large 15.59 g copper tetradrachm
- Huvishka depicted riding an elephant
-
Solar deity Miiro / Mithra on the reverse
- Bactrian legend
- Kushan imperial tamgha
- Important example of Kushan religious diversity
-
Approximately 1,850 years old
Collector’s Appeal
An excellent addition to collections specialising in:
- Huvishka Coins
- Kushan Empire Coinage
- Kushan Copper Tetradrachms
- Elephant Rider Coins
- Miiro / Mithra Coins
- Ancient Indian Coins
- Bactrian Script Coins
- Ancient Iranian & Central Asian Coinage
- Kushan Religious Coinage
- Silk Road Coinage
Age of Coin: Approximately 1,835–1,870 years old.
A remarkable 15.59-gram Kushan copper tetradrachm, combining the imposing image of Huvishka riding an elephant with the solar deity Miiro (Mithra) — a superb representation of the cosmopolitan character of the Kushan Empire.
