Menander I, 155-130 BC, Drachm

Menander I, drachm, AR, reign 155–130 BC, uncertain mint, 2.41 g, 16 mm. Obverse with diademed bust of Menander I, legend in Greek BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΣΩTHPOΣ MENANΔPOY around. Reverse with corresponding Kharoshthi legend Maharajasa tratarasa Menamdrasa around a traditional Indo-Greek type, bilingual presentation aligned to the Greek obverse. Well-centred for the issue, with clear legends on both sides and even metal; minor striking softness at the periphery typical of the series. Bopearachchi 13B.

Menander I is among the most historically significant Indo-Greek rulers, associated with the expansion and consolidation of Greek power in northwestern South Asia and with the sustained use of bilingual coinage pairing Greek and Kharoshthi legends, a primary source for documenting political authority, titulature, and cross-cultural administration in the Hellenistic successor kingdoms of the region.