2022-09-22 Thu

Vima Kadphises was the father of the great ruler Kaniska I. He ruled the Kushan Empire between 90 CE and 100 CE.

Vima Kadphises was the devotee of Lord Shiva; therefore, the coins issued by Vima Khadphises depict Shiva with Nandi. He is considered the protector of the silk route to move between China, India, and the West. He was the ruler to introduce a gold coin due to the favorable trade condition between Rome and the Indian subcontinent.

This gold dinar issued by Vima Kadphise weighs around 7.92g. The obverse side of this coin depicts the bust of the king facing toward the left, wearing a diadem and domed crown, legend 'BACILEYC OOH MO KADFICHC' written around it. The reverse of this coin depicts Ithyphallic Shiva standing facing head left, holding a composite trident with an axe in the right hand, Kharoshthi legend Maharajasa rajadirajasa Sarvaloga Isvarasa Mahisvarasa Hima Kaphthisasa Tradarasa around.

This gold dinar sold for INR 3,00,000 in an auction of Todywalla held in Mumbai on 17 September, 2022.

Image Courtesy: Todywalla Auction