Hermaios Soter AR Tetradrachm, c.120–90 BC, Indo-Greek, Zeus-Mithra, Bilingual

Hermaios Soter, Tetradrachm, Silver, c. 120–90 BC, Paropamisadai or Gandhara, 9.18 g, 28 mm. Obv: BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΣΩTHPOΣ ΕΡΜΑΙΟΥ; diademed, helmeted and draped bust of Hermaios right, helmet adorned with bull’s horn and ear. Rev: MAHARAJASA TRATARASA HERAMAYASA in Kharosthi; Zeus-Mithra seated slightly left, raising right hand and holding scepter in left; monogram in left field. Struck on a compact flan; minor porosity; obverse slightly off center; die axis 12h. References: Bopearachchi 4B; HGC 12, 291. Hermaios ruled the Indo-Greek territories of Paropamisadai and Gandhara during the late 2nd to early 1st century BC, and his bilingual coinage facilitated administration and trade across Greek and Indian-speaking communities. The obverse Greek legend styles him “Savior,” while the reverse Kharosthi repeats the royal title, reflecting deliberate dual-audience messaging. The seated Zeus-Mithra type illustrates syncretic religious iconography in the Hindu Kush, and his series became a prototype for issues adopted and imitated by successor nomadic powers that preceded the Kushan rise.