Lot 1009 – Kushanas, Vima Kadphises, c. 113-127 AD, AV double dinar, 15.92 g., Siva

Kushanas, Vima Kadphises, c. 113-127 AD, AV double dinar, 15.92 g. (25 mm). Obverse: diademed and crowned full figure of Vima Kadphises seated facing on low cushioned throne with ornate legs and high back, head left, feet on footstool, holding laurel branch in raised right hand and resting left arm on left knee, flames at shoulder; club to left; tamgha to right; tamgha to right, encircled by Greek inscription beginning at one o’clock BACIΛEYC OH MO KAΔΦICHC (King Vima Kadphises). Reverse: Siva standing facing, head left, holding trident in right hand and resting left arm on bull Nandi behind, who is standing right with head facing; Buddhist symbol triratna to left, Karoshti legend around.

EF+, bright and lustrous surfaces, well struck, with an attractive high relief.

A wonderful example of Vima Kadphises’ bold new style, here in the rare type of full-figure portrait of the king sitting on throne. Vima Kadphises was the Kushan king to first introduce gold coinage, in addition to the existing copper and silver coins.

Ex Chand Collection 10.1.01