This coin depicts the god Vajrapani, Buddha's protector, as Herakles, assimilated through Gandharan art via the Parthian representation of Verethragna as Herakles (see Errington and Cribbs, eds.,
The Crossroads of Asia: Transformation in Image and Symbol in the Art of Ancient Afghanistan and Pakistan, pg. 132, 134).
INDIA, Kushans. Huvishka I. Circa 152-192 AD. AV Dinar (7.67 gm, 12h). ΦΑΟΝΑΝΟΦΑΟ ΟΟΗΦΚΙ ΚΟΦΑΝΟ, Huvishka riding an elephant right, holding trident in his right hand, elephant goad in left / hPAKΛIO, Eraklio (Herakles) standing left, wearing lion's skin headdress, holding club in his right hand, uncertain object in left; tamgha to left. Cf. MK 305A/269 (same obverse die/reverse type) and 886 (bronze); Donum Burns -; MACW -.
The general obverse and reverse types of this coin are known together in bronze issues (Göbl type 886), but only separately on gold (Göbl 305A and 269). There are two aspects of this coin, though, that differ from the known issues. Unlike other issues depicting Vajrapani as Herakles, on this coin the deity wears the lion's skin rather than holds it. Also, the tamgha on this piece is that of Kanishka, thus suggesting an early issue of Huvishka. Certainly a remarkable addition to the numismatic legacy of the Kushans.
