Kushan Empire: Vasu Deva I, circa 191-230 AD, AV Gold dinar (8.02 g). Mint: Baktria (balkh). Obv: helmeted, and diademed king (Vasudeva) with long hair standing to left, holding trident & sacrificing over altar, nandipada in left field, trident with ribbons. / Rev: Siva (Shiva) & the bull Nandi (his companion), with Nandi standing left & Siva holding diadem & trident, tamgha to upper left, Oesho (Shiva in baktrian) to right. ANS Kushan 1087. Bold EF. Very Attractice Example with Artistic full length portrait of Vasu Deva.
*Vusadeva I was the last great Kushan emperor, and the end of his rule coincides with the invasion of the Sassanians as far as northwestern India, and the establishment of the Indo-Sassanians or Kushanshahs from around 240 CE. Vasudeva I may have lost the territory of Bactria with its capital in Balkh to Ardashir I Kushanshah. Thereafter, Kushan rule would be restricted to their eastern territories, in western and central Punjab. The relatively peaceful reign of Vasudeva is marked by an important artistic production, in particular in statuary. Several Buddhist statues are dated to the reign of Vasudeva, and are important markers for the chronology of Buddhist art.
