One of the Three Wise Men of the Bible? // Silver Coin

Azes II of Bactria, “King from the East,” c. 35 BC – 5 AD. Silver Drachm. The front features King Azes II on horseback, following a star; Greek inscription around / The back shows Zeus standing robed, holding winged Nike, with monograms in the field and Indian inscription around. Coin reference: Mitchiner 853-var. for type. Light gray patina, encapsulated and graded Choice Fine by NGC. Coin measures 14mm in diameter; archival slab size: 3.125" x 2.125" x 0.375”. Provenance: Ex De Père, WI collection. *** Believed by some scholars to be one of the historical “Three Wise Men,” Azes II ruled in a region where Zoroastrian priests—Magi—were respected astrologers. His bilingual coins link East and West, and may have inspired the biblical image of kings journeying by starlight to witness the birth of Christ.

— Struck c. 35 BC – 5 AD in ancient Bactria
— Provenance: Ex-De Père, WI collection
— Diameter 14mm; Encapsulated NGC slab: 3.125" x 2.125" x 0.375"

This piece is accompanied by a hand-signed certificate of authenticity which includes all the details, culture, dating, motifs/inscriptions when applicable, historical relevance, and provenance.