INDIA, Kushan. Vima Takto (Soter Megas). Circa 80-90 AD. Æ Tetradrachm (8.52 gm). Diademed bust right, holding sceptre; Tamgha of Soter Megas behind / King on horseback right; Tamgha of Soter Megas before. MACW 2928. Good VF, dark green patina. $60.
The Kushan Empire was founded by Kujulu Kadphises, whose son was Vima Takto. Kadphises and, intially, Vima Takto issued coins that were largely imitative of the peoples they conquered. One of the most recognizable coins of the period bears an obverse portrait and a horseman on the back. The legend reads only Soter Megas - the Great Savior, and the actual name of the issuing king long remained unknown. The discovery of the Rabatak inscription, though, changed Kushan history by providing evidence to verify the elusive identity of 'Soter Megas'. His name was Vima Tak[to] (the last syllable is still uncertain).
