Kushan Empire – Vima Kadphises c. 113–127 AD Copper AE Tetradrachm Historical Coin

Kushan Empire, Emperor: Vima Kadphises, Reign: c. 113–127 CE, Denomination: AE Tetradrachm, Metal: Copper, Weight: 16.20 grams, Diameter: 27 mm, References: Mitchiner ACW #3008, Göbl Kushan #762, About Very Fine, Very Scarce.

Reverse: Maharajasa Rajadirajasa Sarvaloga Isvarasa Mahisvarasa Vima Kathphisasa Tratara ; Shiva standing facing, holding trident, accompanied by the sacred bull Nandi; nandipada symbol in left field, with Kharosthi legend around.

Vima Kadphises was one of the most powerful rulers of the Kushan Empire and played a decisive role in transforming the dynasty into a major imperial power extending across Central Asia and northern India. His reign witnessed the expansion of trade routes linking India with the Roman Empire and China, bringing immense prosperity to the Kushan realm. Vima Kadphises is particularly remembered for introducing abundant gold coinage and for issuing large copper denominations that circulated widely among the population. His coinage displays a remarkable fusion of Greek, Iranian, and Indian traditions. The depiction of Shiva and Nandi on his coins reflects the growing influence of Indian religious symbolism within the Kushan state and provides valuable evidence for the cultural synthesis that characterized the empire during the early second century CE.

Coinage Note: Copper tetradrachms of Vima Kadphises are among the largest and most impressive bronze issues of the Kushan Empire. Catalogued as Mitchiner ACW #3008 and Göbl Kushan #762, these bilingual issues combine Greek inscriptions on the obverse with Kharosthi legends on the reverse. The prominent representation of Shiva with Nandi illustrates the adoption of Indian iconography by the Kushan rulers and makes these coins important records of the religious and artistic developments of the period.