Artwork Page for Vima Kadphises (reverse)

Details / Information for Vima Kadphises (reverse)

Vima Kadphises (reverse)

50–78 CE

India, Mathura, Kushan period

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Medium
gold
Measurements
Diameter: 2.2 cm (7/8 in.)
Credit Line
Anonymous Gift 1999.225.b
Public Domain
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Location
242A Ancient India(not visible)
Print

Description

The reverse depicts the figure of Hercules with the skin of the Nemean lion draped over his forearm and the lion's scalp also worn over his head. The Kushans primarily identified with Zoroastrian religious practice, but imagery on their coins and the religious groups they sponsored suggest they were ecumenical--open to supporting a wide range of sects.
The front of a gold coin shows a stamped figure facing our right, holding a long, three-pronged staff and a draped animal skin. The figure's features are smoothed away. A small symbol sits next to the staff, and a circular border of script surrounds the composition, its characters reaching toward the coin's irregular edges. The warm yellow metal has a rough, textured surface with minimal fine details.

Vima Kadphises (reverse)

50–78 CE

India, Mathura, Kushan period

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