
BAΣIΛEΩΣ BAΣIΛEΩN MEΓAΛOY AZOY, King on horseback right, hand raised, "pra" to right / Kharoshti legend: Maharajasa Rajarajasa Mahatasa Ayasa ("The Great King of Kings Azes"), Athena standing right, extending hand and holding spear and shield; monogram to left; si in Kharosthi to right. 24mm, 9.03 grams. Whitehead 177; Senior 99.65T; HGC 12, 638.
King Azes I was an Indo-Scythian ruler who reigned in the late 1st century BCE. He is best known for expanding Indo-Scythian influence in northwestern India and is often credited with establishing the Azes Era, which some scholars associate with the beginning of the Vikram Samvat calendar. His coins, featuring Greek and Kharosthi inscriptions, reflect a blend of Hellenistic and Indian cultural influences. Azes I played a crucial role in continuing Indo-Scythian dominance in the region, paving the way for his successors.