The Cambridge History of India, Vol. I: Ancient India v1.c31.41

v1.c31.41

On the earlier coins of the Yavanas and on those of the first Çaka king, Maues, the round form of the Greek *omicron* only is found. On some of the later Yavāna coins, *e.g.* those of Hippostratus, and on the coins of Azes I the square form, □, makes its appearance side by side with the round form. The same change took place in Parthia during the reign of Orodes I (57–38 b.c.)². That at this period there was constant communication between Parthia and India there can be no doubt. It is reasonable, therefore, to suppose that this epigraphical change is due to a fashion which spread from one country to the other, and that the occurrence of the square *omicron* on a Parthian or Indian coin is an indication that its date is not earlier than c. 40 B.C.¹