The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of December 19, 2025

Vima Kadphises (reverse)

50–78 CE

India, Mathura, Kushan period

gold
Diameter: 2.2 cm (7/8 in.)
Anonymous Gift 1999.225.b
Location: 242A Ancient India(not visible)

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.
  • 1999–
    The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH
  • {{cite web|title=Vima Kadphises (reverse)|url=false|author=|year=50–78 CE|access-date=19 December 2025|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}

Source URL:

https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1999.225.b