Indo-Greeks: A Good Bronze Coin of Demetrious I

[mitresh]

Indo-Greeks, Demetrious I Aniketos, 200-185 BC, Bronze Tri-chalkon, 9.82g, 27.4mm, Merv mint

Reasonably good condition despite the wear and tear of 2,000+ years!!. Love the toning with mottled green and shades of orange, brown and rust colour. Mr. Elephant is actually smiling and reminds me of the Hindu God of Good Luck and Fortune, Ganesha! Broad flan with well centered strike Obv & Rev.

[THCoins]

Very nice copper ! Pity that the bell hanging on the chain around the elephant's neck has just worn of at the edge of the coin. Otherwise an almost perfect example of the type !
This also illustrates the widespread use of certain symbols, like in this case the caduceus. This can be seen  virtually unaltered also on greek and roman coins centuries apart.

[Figleaf]

Bell or no bell, this one rings true. I have a weakness for elephants on coins. If I were to guide an extraterrestrial, I'd make sure she would see an elephant.

Caduceus, aye, but the caduceus symbolises different thing. My guess is that here, it means trade, therefore prosperity and peace. Very close to the East Asan wish of "health, wealth and happiness".

Peter

[mitresh]

Peter

You definately have a bias for a 'female' extra-terrestial!! What if 'she' turns out to be one of those horrible terminator type machines!! Yuckkk!

[Figleaf]

Male extra-terrestrials are strong and dumb. They always get exterminated in movies. The females are shapely, have almond eyes and they often sing on TV or in movies or at least they perform in manga comics. Elephants are smart. They get their mahout to give them food for taking walks they enjoy and would have taken anyway.

Peter

[mitresh]