155 / 228
153
bid online at
www.goldbergcoins.com(800) 978-COIN (2646)
|
E
XTREMELY
R
ARE
G
OLD
D
OUBLE
D
INAR
O
F
V
IMA
K
ADPHISES
Enlargement
2336
India - Kushan Empire. Vima Kadphises. Gold Double Dinar (15.69 g), ca. AD 100/5-127/8
. Mint A. BACILEYC OOH-MO KAD-
Φ
ICHC, diademed and crowned half-length bust of Vima Kadphises right on clouds, holding mace-scepter over shoulder; flames at shoulder;
in left field, tamgha.
Reverse:
Ithyphallic Siva standing facing, head left, holding trident and resting arm on bull Nandi standing right with
head facing behind; in left field, Buddhist Triratana. MK 12 (dies O4/R13; unlisted combination); Donum Burns 77; Sunrise 524. Tiny fault
behind head of Siva in field.
Sharpness of Extremely Fine
.
The reign of Vima Kadphises saw the expansion of Kushan power throughout much of Central Asia and India, occupying the central region of
the Silk Road between China and the West. The wealth acquired from this pivotal position along this major trade route allowed the Kushans
to strike the first Indian gold coins, and Vima Kadphises introduced three gold denominations: the double dinar, the dinar, and a quarter dinar.
The double dinars are all very rare, which suggests that they were used for ceremonial purposes more so than functioning in international
trade.
Estimated Value ............................................................................................................................................................... $6,000 - 7,000
2337
India & States - Kushan Empire. Dinar, ND
. Fr-25a. 7.9
grams. Vasu Deva I, c.191-225. King standing. With trident
above altar.
Reverse
; Siva with four arms and bull to the right.
Lustrous.
Choice Extremely Fine
.
Estimated Value .................................................$800 - 1,000
2338
India & States - Kushan Empire. Dinar, ND
. Fr-32. 7.9
grams. Kanishka II, C. 225-249. King standing.
Reverse
; Siva
and the bull. Lustrous.
About Uncirculated
.
Estimated Value ..............................................$1,000 - 1,200
S
HAH
J
AHAN
M
OHUR
2339
India: Mughal. Mohur, AHXXXX//2
. KM-255.6. Shah
Jahan AH 1038-1068 (1628-1658) Surat Mint. Dated Year 2
(1628/9).
Shah Jahan commissioned the construction of the Taj
Mahal in 1632 as a manusoleum to house his wife Mamtaz
Hahal. Considered by some be one of the great wonders of
the world and perhaps the best example of Mughal archi-
tecture. Its sits on an impressive 42 acres and is perhaps
the most impressive monument and testament to a mans
love for a woman.
Ex: Akola hoard. Found in 1974 along the banks of the river
Bordi near the city of Akola. Numismatic Digest Vol. I, part
II (December 1977) by M.K. Hussain, p.36-39. It is believed
that this is part of a lost military payment sent by the Surat
mint to Mughal troops fighting near Golkonda. According to
some accounts, the shipment was lost when the courier
was resting in a dry river bed and sudden monsson rains
flooded the river and the shipment was lost.
These Surat Mint Mohurs from the Akola hoard mark the
peak in style for Mughal calligraphy, that coupled with their
exceptional quality make them the perfect type coin.
NGC
graded MS-65
.
Estimated Value ........................................ $3,500 - 4,000