Indo-Greek Kingdom, Menander I 165–130 BC, AE 23 mm 11.51 gm Square Unit, uncertain royal mint. Struck on a square flan with bilingual legends (Greek and Kharosthi)

Indo-Greek Kingdom, Menander I 165–130 BC, AE 23 mm 11.51 gm Square Unit, uncertain royal mint. Struck on a square flan with bilingual legends (Greek and Kharosthi)

Obv: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΣΩΤΗΡΟΣ ΜΕΝΑΝΔΡΟΥ, helmeted and draped bust of Athena right.

Rev: Kharosthi legend MAHARAJASA TRATARASA MENAMDRASA, Nike standing right holding wreath and palm.

Ref: Mitchiner 242a; Bopearachchi série 31, 183.

Menander I (Soter) was the leading Indo-Greek ruler, extending control from Bactria into the Punjab. Issuing extensive bilingual coinages to serve mixed Greek and Indian populations. Square bronze fabric follows Indian monetary traditions, while the Greek types of Athena and Nike reflect Hellenistic iconography. His reign is closely linked to the Buddhist text Milindapañha, and coins such as this exemplify the administrative and cultural integration of Greek and South Asian systems in the mid–2nd century BC.

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Sku# 250AL