Bidspirit auction | Pair of Rare Ancient Bronze

Pair of Rare Ancient Bronze Coin Dies, Kushan Empire, Near Eastern - Pair of ancient bronze coin dies used by the Kushan Empire. These heavy metal tools were essential for the ”die-strike” technique, where a blank piece of metal was struck between two engraved dies to imprint a design. Kushan Coinage & Minting Process The Kushan Empire operated a sophisticated minting system that blended Hellenistic, Iranian, and Indian traditions. Kushan mints primarily produced gold and base metal (copper/bronze) coins. The dies typically featured the king on the obverse and a deity on the reverse. Unlike cast coins made in molds, Kushan coins were die-struck. High-quality dies produced refined imperial strikes, while local workshops often used cruder dies. The dies often depicted kings standing at fire altars or mounted on horses. They showcased a diverse pantheon of over 30 deities, including Iranian (Mithra, Mao), Hindu (Shiva/Oesho), and Greek gods. Major Mints: Strategic minting sites included Balkh (likely the main gold mint) and Begram (the primary center for copper coinage). Archaeologists have recently discovered coins from these types of dies at sites like Taxila in Pakistan, specifically from the reign of King Vasudeva, one of the last prominent Kushan emperors. These artifacts underscore the empire's role as a major trade hub linking South and Central Asia. See Photos for more details and sizes