Ancient Kushan Empire – Kanishka I
Copper ¼ Unit | Lunar Deity Mao Type | MAC #3161 | 3.90 g
A fascinating copper ¼ unit of Kanishka I, one of the greatest rulers of the Kushan Empire, dating to approximately c. 128–150 CE. This small denomination is particularly interesting for its depiction of Mao, the lunar deity, with distinctive crescent symbols on his shoulders.
The type is catalogued as MAC #3161 and is described in specialist numismatic references as a scarce quarter-unit issue.
Obverse
The obverse depicts the crowned and diademed King Kanishka standing facing, holding a spear and performing a ritual offering over a small fire altar positioned to his left.
A Bactrian legend surrounds the royal figure, identifying the Kushan ruler.
The depiction of Kanishka performing a sacrifice is a characteristic feature of his coinage and represents the emperor in an important ceremonial and religious role.
Reverse
The reverse depicts Mao, the lunar deity, standing facing left.
Mao is shown:
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Holding the hilt of a sword
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Extending his other hand in a gesture of blessing
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With distinctive lunar crescents on his shoulders
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With the Bactrian legend “MAO” to the right
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With the Kushan tamgha to the left
The crescent symbols are an especially interesting feature, immediately identifying Mao’s association with the moon. The MAC 3161 type is specifically described with Mao standing left, lunar crescents on the shoulders and the MAO legend.
Coin Details
Empire: Kushan Empire
Ruler: Kanishka I
Period: c. 128–150 CE
Century: 2nd Century CE
Denomination: ¼ Unit
Metal: Copper
Weight: 3.90 g
Diameter: 16.44 mm
Condition: About Fine
Obverse: Kanishka standing, holding spear and sacrificing at altar
Reverse: Lunar deity Mao standing left
Reverse Legend: “MAO” in Bactrian
Symbols: Lunar crescents and Kushan tamgha
Script: Bactrian
Reference: MAC #3161
Historical Background
Kanishka I was one of the most powerful rulers of the Kushan Empire, which connected large parts of Central Asia, Afghanistan, Pakistan and northern India.
The Kushan Empire occupied a crucial position along the ancient trade routes linking India with Central Asia and the Silk Road. This cosmopolitan environment is reflected particularly well in Kanishka’s coinage, which portrays deities from diverse religious traditions.
Mao – The Lunar Deity
Mao was an important lunar deity of the Iranian religious tradition. His appearance on Kushan coinage illustrates the strong Central Asian and Iranian cultural influences present within the empire.
The crescent symbols on his shoulders are a distinctive visual representation of his lunar character, while the Bactrian “MAO” legend provides his direct identification.
Numismatic Significance
This coin is particularly attractive because it combines several important elements of Kushan imperial coinage:
Kanishka I – one of the empire’s greatest rulers
Royal Sacrifice – demonstrating imperial religious authority
Mao – an Iranian lunar deity
Bactrian Legend – reflecting the Central Asian cultural environment
Kushan Tamgha – identifying the imperial authority
Specialist cataloguing identifies this as MAC 3161, while other numismatic references classify it as an AE drachm / ¼ unit.
Collector’s Appeal
An excellent addition to collections specialising in:
- Kanishka I Coins
- Kushan Empire Coinage
- Kushan Copper Coins
- Ancient Indian Coins
- Mao / Lunar Deity Coins
- Bactrian Script Coins
- Ancient Iranian Religious Coinage
- Kushan Religious Coinage
- Ancient Central Asian Coins
- 2nd Century CE Coinage
Age of Coin: Approximately 1,875–1,900 years old.
A scarce Kanishka I copper quarter-unit featuring the striking lunar deity Mao with crescent symbols, offering collectors a fascinating glimpse into the multicultural religious world of the Kushan Empire nearly two millennia ago.
