Kushan kingdom bronze tetradrachm of Vima Taktu (Soter Megas)
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
80-100 AD
This antique Kushan Empire bronze coin, a tetradrachm dating to the reign of King Vima Taktu, also known as Soter Megas or the Great Saviour, dates to approximately 80–100 AD.
The coin features a distinct obverse depicting a diademed bust of the king, shown in profile facing to the right and holding a scepter. The reverse displays the king mounted on a horse, holding a whip or dagger, surrounded by Greek legend. The piece is crafted from a copper alloy and exhibits the artistic style typical of the Kushan period, which integrated Hellenistic design influences with local iconography. With a diameter of 20 mm and a weight of 8.31 grams, it serves as a historical record of the Kushan Empire's political and monetary practices in North India and Central Asia.
The surface shows characteristic signs of aging and historical wear, consistent with an ancient numismatic artifact from this region and era.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- 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
- Weight
- 8.31 g
- Diameter
- 20 mm
- Material
- copper alloy
Technical characteristics
- Denomination
- tetradrachm
Design
- Obverse
- diademed bust of king right, holding scepter
- Reverse
- mounted king right, holding whip or dagger, Greek legend
Identification
- Source note
- Described from a single auction-house listing published on Invaluable (reproduced with Invaluable's permission). Details apply to that one example; other examples of the type may differ, and the listing is supplementary evidence, not authentication.
Documentation checklist
- Denomination
- Research required
- Issue or mint date
- Recorded
- Material
- Recorded
- Weight
- Recorded
- 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.