★ An unusually complete tetradrachm of Vima Kadphises ★

INDIA, Kushan Empire. Vima Kadphises, circa 100-127/8. Tetradrachm (Bronze, 25 mm, 17.00 g, 12 h), Begram. ΒΑCIΛЄΥC BACIΛEⲰN CⲰTHP MEΓAC OOHMO KAΔΦΙCHC ('King of Kings, the Great Savior, Vima Kadphises' in Greek) Vima Kadphises standing front, head to left, sacrificing over altar with his right hand; to right, club and tamgha; to left, trident with an axe on the shaft. Rev. 'Maharajasa Rajadirajasa Sarvaloga Isvarasa Mahisvarasa Vima Kathphishasa Tratara' ('of the Great King, the King of Kings, Lord of All the World, the Mahesvara, Vima Kadphises, the Defender' in Kharoshthi) Shiva standing facing, holding trident in his right hand and deer skin in his left; behind, the bull Nandi, his companion, standing right; in field to left, Buddhist triratana ('Three Jewels'). ANS Kushan 300-302. A bold and unsually complete example. Repatinated, otherwise, very fine.

From the collection of Prof. Dr. Björn-Uwe Abels, privately acquired from Robert Tye in 1992.