Ancient Kushan Empire – Kanishka I
Copper Tetradrachm | Lunar Deity Mao Type | 17.25 g | MAC #3161
A remarkable large copper tetradrachm of Kanishka I, one of the greatest rulers of the Kushan Empire. This substantial 17.25-gram coin is particularly notable for its depiction of Mao, the lunar deity, with distinctive crescent symbols on his shoulders.
The coin beautifully demonstrates the extraordinary religious and cultural diversity of Kushan imperial coinage, combining the royal imagery of Kanishka with an Iranian/Central Asian lunar deity and Bactrian inscriptions.
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 legend surrounds the royal figure.
The representation of Kanishka performing a sacrifice emphasizes the ceremonial and religious role of the Kushan emperor and is a characteristic feature of his coinage.
Reverse
The reverse depicts Mao, the lunar deity, standing facing left.
Mao is shown holding the hilt of a sword while extending his other hand in a gesture of blessing.
The deity is distinguished by:
- Crescent moons on both shoulders
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Bactrian legend “Mao” to the right
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Kushan tamgha to the left
- Characteristic divine attributes
The crescent symbols are an especially striking feature, clearly reinforcing Mao’s identity as a lunar deity.
Coin Details
Empire: Kushan Empire
Ruler: Kanishka I
Period: c. 127–151 CE
Century: 2nd Century CE
Denomination: Copper Tetradrachm
Metal: Copper
Weight: 17.25 g
Diameter: 26.06 mm
Condition: About Very Fine
Obverse: Kanishka standing with spear and sacrificing at altar
Reverse: Lunar deity Mao standing left
Reverse Legend: “Mao” in Bactrian
Script: Bactrian
Symbol: Kushan Tamgha
Reference: MAC #3161
Historical Background
Kanishka I was among the most powerful rulers of the Kushan Empire, which at its height connected extensive territories across Central Asia, Afghanistan, Pakistan and northern India.
His reign is particularly famous for the cosmopolitan character of Kushan culture. The empire occupied a crucial position along ancient trade routes connecting India with Central Asia and the Silk Road, resulting in an extraordinary exchange of artistic, religious and cultural traditions.
Kanishka’s coinage vividly reflects this environment. His coins depict deities belonging to different religious traditions, including Indian, Iranian, Greek and Central Asian divinities.
Mao – The Lunar Deity
Mao was a lunar deity associated with the Iranian religious tradition.
His representation on Kanishka’s coinage is especially distinctive because of the crescent moons placed on his shoulders. The sword and blessing gesture further enhance his divine character.
The Bactrian inscription “Mao” provides a direct identification of the deity and demonstrates the continued importance of the Bactrian language and Iranian cultural traditions within the Kushan Empire.
Religious & Cultural Significance
This coin is an excellent illustration of Kushan religious syncretism:
Kanishka: The powerful emperor performing a ritual sacrifice.
Mao: The lunar deity representing an Iranian/Central Asian religious tradition.
Bactrian Script: Reflects the Central Asian cultural environment of the Kushan Empire.
Kushan Tamgha: Represents the imperial authority of the Kushan dynasty.
The combination of these elements makes the coin a fascinating historical document of the multicultural world of 2nd-century Central and South Asia.
Why This Coin Is Special
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Large 17.25 g copper tetradrachm
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Issued under Kanishka I
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Distinctive Mao lunar deity type
- Crescent moons clearly represented on Mao’s shoulders
- Bactrian inscription naming Mao
- Kushan tamgha
- Royal sacrifice scene on the obverse
- Strong representation of Kushan religious diversity
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Approximately 1,850–1,900 years old
Collector’s Appeal
An excellent addition to collections specialising in:
- Kanishka I Coins
- Kushan Empire Coinage
- Kushan Copper Tetradrachms
- Ancient Indian Coins
- Mao / Lunar Deity Coins
- Bactrian Script Coins
- Ancient Iranian Coinage
- Central Asian Numismatics
- Kushan Religious Coinage
- Silk Road Coinage
- 2nd Century CE Ancient Coins
Age of Coin: Approximately 1,875–1,900 years old.
A substantial and highly interesting Kanishka I copper tetradrachm, featuring the emperor’s ritual sacrifice on the obverse and the striking lunar deity Mao with crescent moons on his shoulders on the reverse. A superb representation of the extraordinary religious and cultural diversity of the Kushan Empire.
