The National Geographic Society and the National Museum of Afghanistan in Kabul have come together for a joint exhibition of ancient Afghanistan treasures to be put on display at the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C.
The exhibition includes ancient coins found in the region, many of which were rediscovered buried in the Central Bank located in the Presidential Palace. They hadn’t been seen since 1979 when the Soviet invasion occurred. These treasures later escaped danger from the Taliban, who destroyed many works of art that portrayed deities.
The turbulent early history of Afghanistan is covered well in this article at Numismaster.com. Two significantly impressive coins that can be seen on display in Washington D.C. include the “Silver Drachm of Mithradates II of Parthia” issued from 123 - 88 B.C. Numismaster.com reports “It is an important although common Ancient numismatic specimen with its typical realistic portrait.”
Nearby and above the Mithradates II coin is a lovely gold aureus of Tiberius, Emperor of Roma, issued from 14 - 37 A.D. The reverse portrays Livia as Pax. Numismaster.com reports “It is the oldest Roman coin to be found in Afghanistan to date,. . . it is believed to have reached Afghanistan by sea and then through India, apparently a Roman trade route.”
Washington D.C. is fortunate to solicit such unique exhibitions. Afghanistan is on the forefront of many American minds and I think there is much to learn from the countries turbulent history. The ancient coins, of course, are fascinating.
~ Liz ~
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