NumisBids
  
Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
Triton XXV  11-12 Jan 2022
View prices realized

Lot 586

Estimate: 25 000 USD
Price realized: 60 000 USD
Find similar lots
Share this lot: Share by Email
INDIA, Kushan Empire. Vima Kadphises. Circa AD 113-127. AV Double Dinar (25mm, 16.00 g, 12h). Bilingual series. Main mint in Baktria. BACIΛЄYC OOH MO KAΔΦICHC, diademed and crowned figure of Vima Kadphises seated facing on 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; club to left, tamgha to right / Maharajasa rajadirajasa sarvaloga iśvarasa mahiśvarasa vima kaphthiśasa tradara[sa] in Kharosthi, ithyphallic 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 triratana (Three Jewels) to left. Bopearachchi, Premiers, Série IX, 20 (incorrect weight) = Bopearchchi, Some 1 (left example – this coin); MK 11 (O1/R9; unlisted die pair); ANS Kushan 260; Donum Burns 76. EF. High relief. Rare.

From the Archytas Collection. Ex 2006 Peshawar Hoard.

This very well-preserved double dinar of Vima Kadphises displays the ruler with divine-like imagery, seated upon an elaborate cushioned throne, while the reverse features Siva with the bull Nandi. The purpose of the Kushan double dinars is not entirely understood, while the dinars and their fractions would clearly seem to facilitate international trade. It is possible that the double dinars could have been used for larger transactions, but their rarity would seem to indicated that they could have had a more special, and possibly ceremonial, function. One possibility is that they were gifts presented to the ruler's favorites as a way of strengthening support for the regime; these could perhaps also act as deposited resources from which the
king could later draw.
Question about this auction? Contact Classical Numismatic Group, LLC