Vima Kadphises (reverse)
Unknown Artist
50–78 CE
Medium
gold
Dimensions
diam. 2.2 cm
Classification
Coins
Department
Indian and Southeast Asian Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Anonymous Gift
Accession Number
1999.225.b
About this artwork
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.