PLATE XXXIV
Iranian Deities on Indo-Scythian and Sassanian Coins
1. Tishtrya
The god bears bow and arrows, and his representation as female is probably due to imitation of the Greek Artemis. From a coin of the Indo-Scythian king Huviṣka. After Stein, Zoroastrian Deities on Indo-Scythian Coins, No. X. See pp. 267-70.
2. Khshathra Vairya
The deity "Desirable Kingdom," who is also the god of metals, is appropriately represented in full metal armour. From a coin of the Indo- Scythian king Huviṣka. After Stein, Zoroastrian Deities on Indo-Scythian Coins, No. XL See p. 260.
3. Ardokhsho
This goddess is evidently modelled on the Greek Tyche ("Fortune") and has been held to be the divinity Ashi. The name, as given on the coin, seems to mean "Augmenting Righteousness," and in view of the reference to Haurvatāt and Ameretāt as "the companions who augment righteousness" (ashaokhshayantāo saredyayāo, Yasna, xxxiii. 8-9), the Editor suggests that Ardokhsho may be one of these Amesha Spentas, probably Ameretāt, the deity of vegetation. From a coin of the Indo-Scythian king Huviṣka. After Stein, Zoroastrian Deities on Indo-Scythian Coins, No. XVI. See pp. 260, 281.
4. Asha Vahishta
In every respect except the name this deity is represented precisely like Mithra. From a coin of the Indo-Scythian king Huviṣka. After Stein, Zoroastrian Deities on Indo-Scythian Coins, No. XVII. See p. 260.
5. Ahura Mazda
The conventional representation of Ahura Mazda floats above what appears to be a fire temple, rather than an altar, from which rise the sacred flames. From a Parthian coin. After Drouin, in Revue archéologique, 1884, Plate V, No. 2.
6. Fire Altar
The altar here appears in its simplest form. From a Sassanian coin in the collection of the Editor.
7. Fire Altar
The altar is here much more elaborate in form. From a Sassanian coin in the collection of the Editor.
8. Fravashi
Of interest as showing the appearance of a Fravashi ("Genius") in the flame, and as representing the king as one of the guardians of the fire, although strictly only the priests are permitted to enter Ātar's presence. From a Sassanian coin. After Dorn, Collection de monnaies sassanides de . . . J. de Bartholomaei, Plate VI, No. 1. See pp. 261, 342.
