Baktrian Kingdom, Menander, Drachm
ca. 165-130 BC - Fourrée - Silvered bronze
Sold
Bust of Menander I, diademed and draped, right.
Athena standing left, holding shield horizontally with left arm, throwing thunderbolt with right hand, monogram on right.
See BIGR (Bactrian and Indo-Greek Coinage) Menander I 13.3 ; references: Mitchiner 215t, Bopearachchi Ménandre I 13B. This coin, graded NGC Ch VF specified core visible, is a contemporary forgery.
ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΣΩΤΗΡΟΣ ΜΕΝΑΝΔΡΟΥ
𐨨𐨱𐨪𐨗𐨯 𐨟𐨿𐨪𐨟𐨪𐨯 𐨨𐨅𐨣𐨡𐨿𐨪𐨯 ; monogram A and Y.
1.82 gr
An “EF(40-45)” quality
As in numismatics it is important that the state of conservation of an item be carefully evaluated before it is offered to a discerning collector with a keen eye.
This initially obscure acronym comprising two words describing the state of conservation is explained clearly here:
Extremely Fine
This means – more prosaically – that the coin has circulated well from hand to hand and pocket to pocket but the impact on its wear remains limited: the coins retains much of its mint luster, sharp detailing and little sign of being circulated. Closer examination with the naked eye reveals minor scratches or nicks.