Diademed and radiate (6 rays) bust of king right, holding spear, three-pronged tamgha behind / Mounted king right, Three-pronged tamgha in right field; Greek legend BACIΛEY BACIΛEYWN CWTHP MEΓAC (Basileu Basileon Soter Megas - "The King of Kings, Great Saviour"). 20 mm, 8.23 grams. Taxila mint. MACW 2939-2940ff; MACW 2953ff; Senior B17; Pieper (2021) #1737.

Soter Megas (Greek for “Great Savior”) is a title found on coins of certain Kushan rulers, most notably associated with Vima Kadphises, who ruled around the 1st to 2nd century CE. While no Kushan king officially bore the name “Soter Megas” as a personal name, the title appears prominently on coins to emphasize the ruler’s role as a protector and benefactor of his people. These coins, often struck in gold and copper, reflect the Kushan Empire’s growing power, wealth, and engagement in international trade along the Silk Road.

The “Soter Megas” coinage marks an important phase in Kushan history, showing strong Indian, Iranian, Greek, and Central Asian influences in iconography and inscriptions, with depictions of deities from multiple traditions. These coins illustrate the Kushans’ syncretic culture and their role as a major political and commercial power linking East and West.