★ Buddha as 'Shakyamuni' ★

INDIA, Kushan Empire. Kanishka I, circa 127/8-152. Didrachm (Bronze, 21 mm, 8.44 g, 1 h), main mint in Kapisha (Begram?). ÞAO ΚANηρKI ('King Kanishka' in Bactrian) Kanishka I standing front, head to left, sacrificing with his right hand over altar and holding trident in his left. Rev. [ΣAKAMA BOYΔO] ('Sakyamuni Buddha' in Bactrian) Shakyamuni Buddha standing facing, wearing monk's robes, raising his right in abhaya mudra (gesture of reassurance). ANS Kushan -. Donum Burns 176. Very rare. Harshly cleaned and with some deposits, otherwise, fine.

This interesting type belongs to a small series of coins featuring the earliest numismatic portrayals of Buddha. On this particular issue, we see Buddha as 'Shakyamuni' - the historical Buddha, a member of the Shakya clan. His clothes, posture and gesture identify him as a philosopher and spiritual teacher.