Indo-Scythians

Denomination: Tetra                                      

Date:  Circa 12 BC – 15 AD

Description:  Indigenous Apracharaja Ruler of the Indo-Scythians (Sakas) empire.

Obverse: King holding whip; mounted on horse walking right. Monogram to right and under horse.

Reverse: Pallas standing right with shield and long spear.

Indo - Scythians were nomadic herders of the steppes north of the Black Sea. Their origin, just like their mother tongue, is essentially unknown, although scholars believe they have originated from modern-day Mongolia. They were among the first nomads riding domesticated horses, which gave them tremendous mobility and power. From the seventh century B. C. they dominated the Eastern part of Europe by conquering most other nomads and agricultural tribes.
The coins were designed by Indo-Greek celators, those coins bear Greek monograms and kept their Greek names.
An originality of the Indo-Scythians is to show the king on a horse, rather than his bust in profile as did the Greeks.