Mounted in a 14k gold pendant, this ancient coin dates to 35 BC. - 5 AD, from the area that is now Afghanistan/ Pakistan. On the front is the image of King Azes II riding on a horse, with Greek writing around the circumference. The back contains a standing figure with ancient Semitic script. This coin is noted to be one of the first bilingual coins, and is sought after because it dates to the turning of the millennium. This tetradrachm coin is a larger coin, worth about four times a daily wage, and rarer to find than the smaller drachm coins.
The coin is certified by Aber & Levine Ltd., one of the world’s largest manufacturers of jewelry set with ancient coins and a beacon in this genre. The 14k gold setting was hand made and designed specifically for this coin, taking its unique beauty into consideration in its design. The pendant comes with the Certificate of Authenticity from Aber & Levine.
The 14k gold setting is spectacular. There is an organic, wavy-edge to the bezel that is mirrored along the border. Radiating etched lines create a starburst pattern around the coin—as if the coin has eclipsed into the center of the sun. On the reverse side, the lines make a circular pattern, like a river current. The pendant looks incredible worn on a chain as a necklace, and makes a special piece of jewelry with a coin that is over 2,000 years old.
King Azes II is possibly one of the “three kings of the east,” adding to the importance of this coin. Azes II reigned from 35 BC to 5 AD, in the territory that is now Afghanistan. He is perhaps the last Indo-Scythian king, a successor Alexander the Great, who was responsible for introducing Greek culture to the east—this early bilingual coinage indicates that it was used in an area where multiple languages were spoken, evidence of the convergence of several cultures. Coins were handmade by heating a silver medallion between carved blocks of iron and hammering the imprint into the soft metal. An imperfect method, each coin from the era is slightly different, unique, crude, with impressive detailing.
The pendant weighs 18.5 grams. It is 1 3/8” across, with a 6 x 8.6 mm bail. The coin is 7/8” across and 3.6 mm thick.
We have other Ancient Coin jewelry in our collection. The pendant is pictured here with a Bronze Byzantine Coin Pendant in 14K White Gold Mount and an Ancient Silver Drachma Coin with Medusa in 14K Gold Mount.
