Coin of Kushan King Vima Kadphises (Cleveland Museum of Art 1999.225)
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
100–200s CE
This gold coin represents the reigns of the Kushana ruler, Vima Kadphises. The coin bears a portrait of the ruler on the obverse and various deities on the reverse.
It is identified by an inscription in Kharosthi, the language used in northwestern India during the Kushan period. 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.
Cleveland Museum of Art object 1999.225: Coin of Kushan King Vima Kadphises, 100–200s CE. India, Mathura, Kushan period. Gold; diameter: 2.2 cm (7/8 in.). Details are those of this museum object; how far it represents a wider type has not been independently verified.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 3
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Physical characteristics
- Materials
- gold
- Dimensions
- Diameter: 2.2 cm (7/8 in.)
- Measurements
- Diameter: 2.2 cm (7/8 in.)
- Material and technique
- gold
Identification
- Date recorded
- 100–200s CE
- Culture period
- India, Mathura, Kushan period
- Holding institution
- Cleveland Museum of Art
- Museum object number
- 1999.225
- Museum classification
- Coins
Documentation checklist
- Denomination
- Research required
- Issue or mint date
- Recorded
- Material
- Recorded
- Weight
- Research required
- Mint or printer
- Research required
- Mint or printer mark
- Research required
- Catalogue reference
- Research required
- Attached photograph (check rights)
- Recorded
Recorded means a field is present, not independently verified. Read its wording, supporting source and the entry’s confidence level.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: this record describes a single museum object; confirm the wider coin type and standard catalogue references (e.g. SNG, RPC, RIC) against numismatic literature.