Western Kshatrapas, Kshaharata house, Nahapana as ‘Mahakshatrapa’, Junnar region, lead, 15.98g, “Lion” type, Obv: Majestic lion with mane, standing in front of a plough-headed standard in railing, placed above triangle-headed standard, with Shrivatsa near its mouth; three-arched hill below belly and curvy line below platform. Brahmi legend “Raño Mahakhatapasa Nahapanasa” around, Rev: Thunderbolt, long arrow and a strung bow-and-arrow symbols (Fishman 8.3). Extremely fine, extremely rare in this grade. Sometimes around or after 70AD, the Kshaharatas spread their rule deep into the Satavahana territory, marking the apogee of their conflict with the Satavahanas. Nahapana assumed the title of ‘Mahakshatrapa’ at this time consolidating his alliance with other local rulers like Vasithiputa Isamula. Lion-type coins were struck at Junnar, the regional capital, in continuation of the Satavahana coinage but now with Nahapana’s name and emblems. This astonishingly well-preserved piece is probably the best ever found in the large denomination lead series. It is well struck and has a complete legend and a full representation of features like the lion and the dynastic emblem on the reverse.