Heritage World Coin Auctions
ANA Signature Sale 3041 Sess. 4 13 August 2015
View prices realized
► Sale information
Find similar lots
Ancients
INDIA. Kushan Empire. Vima Kadphises (ca. AD 100-127/8). AV double dinar (25mm, 15.91 gm, 12h). Mint A, third emission. BACILEYC OOH-MO KAΔΦICHC, diademed and crowned figure of Vima Kadphises seated cross-legged on clouds, head right, holding mace-scepter in right hand over shoulder; flames at shoulders, tamgha to left / Maharajasa rajadirajasa trarvaloga isvarasa mahisvarasa Vima Kathphshasa tratarasa in Karosthi, ithyphallic Siva standing facing, head left, holding trident in right hand and resting left arm on bull Nandi behind, who stands right with head facing; Buddhist Triratana to left. MK 10. Donum Burns 75. Very rare, only six specimens known to Göbl. Exceptionally well struck on a broad flan, possessing a robust portrait in high relief. Brilliant Mint State.From The Providence CollectionThe types of this impressive double-dinar illustrate the unique fusion of Hellenistic Greek, Central Asian steppe, and Indian Hindu and Buddhist cultures found on the early Kushan coinage. The obverse portrays Vima Kadphises as a godlike ruler rising from the clouds, wearing traditional steppe headgear and garb as well as the diadem of a Greek king while the reverse portrays the Hindu god Shiva with the sacred bull Nandi, as well as the Buddhist triaratna ("three jewels") symbol. There is also a Roman element involved here if we consider that the gold from which this coin was made probably came from melted down aurei used to pay for eastern luxuries.
Estimate: 22000-28000 USD
INDIA. Kushan Empire. Vima Kadphises (ca. AD 100-127/8). AV double dinar (25mm, 15.91 gm, 12h). Mint A, third emission. BACILEYC OOH-MO KAΔΦICHC, diademed and crowned figure of Vima Kadphises seated cross-legged on clouds, head right, holding mace-scepter in right hand over shoulder; flames at shoulders, tamgha to left / Maharajasa rajadirajasa trarvaloga isvarasa mahisvarasa Vima Kathphshasa tratarasa in Karosthi, ithyphallic Siva standing facing, head left, holding trident in right hand and resting left arm on bull Nandi behind, who stands right with head facing; Buddhist Triratana to left. MK 10. Donum Burns 75. Very rare, only six specimens known to Göbl. Exceptionally well struck on a broad flan, possessing a robust portrait in high relief. Brilliant Mint State.From The Providence CollectionThe types of this impressive double-dinar illustrate the unique fusion of Hellenistic Greek, Central Asian steppe, and Indian Hindu and Buddhist cultures found on the early Kushan coinage. The obverse portrays Vima Kadphises as a godlike ruler rising from the clouds, wearing traditional steppe headgear and garb as well as the diadem of a Greek king while the reverse portrays the Hindu god Shiva with the sacred bull Nandi, as well as the Buddhist triaratna ("three jewels") symbol. There is also a Roman element involved here if we consider that the gold from which this coin was made probably came from melted down aurei used to pay for eastern luxuries.
Estimate: 22000-28000 USD