INDIA, Kushan Empire. Vima Kadphises. Circa AD 113-127. AV Double Dinar (25mm, 16.00 g, 12h). Bilingual series. Main mint in Baktria.

Triton XXV
Lot: 586. Estimated: $ 25 000

The Archytas Collection, Coin-in-Hand Video, Gold

Sold For $ 60 000. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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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.

The final winners of all Triton XXV lots will be determined at the live public sale that will be held on 11-12 January 2022. Triton XXV – Session Two – Greek Coinage (Part 2) through Roman Provincial Coinage will be held Tuesday afternoon, 11 January 2022 beginning at 2:00 PM ET.

Winning bids are subject to a 20% buyer's fee for bids placed on this website and 22.50% for all others.

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