DESCRIPTION OF SELECT COINS. 



figures are stamped upon them, especially the Sinha of Durga and the 

 Bull of Siva, but there is nothing else which illustrates their origin, or 

 renders them of any interest or value. 



The result of the investigation of such materials as we possess 

 towards a history of Hindu Numismatics, must be admitted to be meagre 

 and unsatisfactory. With exception of a few of comparatively modern 

 origin, no one piece has been ascribed to any individual reign, and even 

 the general appropriation of any number rests upon mere conjecture. 

 At the same time, the Coins perhaps admit of being classed under differ- 

 ent heads, and may be considered as contributions to the illustration of 

 various political revolutions in India. 



The first series, consisting of the Copper Coins, Plate II, Figures 23, 

 24 and 25, are wholly of a Greek or mixed Grecian and Persian charac- 

 ter, and belong apparently to the Bactrian princes of Greek or Parthian 

 descent : they are connected with the two following series by the common 

 symbol. 



The second, and much more extensive series, comprehending most of 

 the Coins of Plates I. and II., bears a mixed character, and combines 

 Indian figures and emblems with Scythian or Parthian costume, indicat- 

 ing the origin of the Coins in the reigns of those princes, whilst they occu- 

 pied the western provinces of Hindustan. In confirmation of this view of 

 their origin, it may be observed, that neither on the older nor comparatively 

 modern remains of Persian antiquity, neither in the sculptures of Perse- 

 polis or Nakshi Rustam, do we find any decided resemblances in costume, 

 characters, or minor details, such as to authorise a conjecture that these 



