NGC Azes II Journey of the Magi Silver Tetradrachm NGC Ancients MG

  

NGC Azes II Journey of the Magi Silver Tetradrachm NGC Ancients MG. Magi is a Latin word deriving from an Old Persian term for the Zoroastrian priestly caste; the English word magic derives from it. It is likely that the Magi were astrologers, highly regarded in that era.

Scholars now believe the Magi were representatives of the Indo-Scythian ruler Azes, king of Bactria, in Central Asia, from 35 BC to AD 5-the time of Christ's birth. Little is known of the great king; we are not sure if he is properly Azes I or Azes II. This remarkably well-preserved, 2000-year-old silver drachm depicts the king on horseback, and shows a standing figure of Zeus on the reverse. The obverse is written in Greek, and the reverse is in Indian script, making his coinage among the earliest bilingual coins.

Certified and encapsulated by NGC. Stock Photos Used - Certificate Number Will Vary, Quality Will Not!