Roma Numismatics Ltd
E-Sale 60 1 Aug 2019
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Hunnic Tribes, Hephthalites. Anonymous (Before AD 700) AR Drachm. Imitating an AY (Ērān-xvarrah-Šābuhr [Susa]) mint issue of Husrav (Khosrau) II dated RY 35. Crowned Sassanian style bust right; Sogdian tamgha and legend in margin / Fire altar flanked by attendants; star and crescent flanking flames. For prototype, cf. SC Tehran 2050-9; for tamgha type, Göbl Dok. Em. 62; Zeno 33518. 3.38g, 31mm, 3h.
Near Extremely Fine. Rare.
The Hephthalites were a tribal confederation based in Baktria who, from the mid fourth century AD led a series of successful invasions, expanding east to the Tarim Basin, west to Sogdia and south through Afghanistan to northern India. Circa AD 600 they were raiding the Sasanian Empire and issued coins imitating the Sasanian ruler Khosrau II, adding to the obverse a Hephthalite signature in Sogdian and Tamgha symbol (as can be seen on this coin). In circa 606/7, Smbat IV Bagratuni, an Armenian prince who had served in the Sasanian army where he had a distinguished military career, was sent by Khosrau II to stop the the Hephthalites' invasion and is said to have killed their king in single combat (see The Armenian History attributed to Sebeos, 28-29, I, pp. 449-53).
Near Extremely Fine. Rare.
The Hephthalites were a tribal confederation based in Baktria who, from the mid fourth century AD led a series of successful invasions, expanding east to the Tarim Basin, west to Sogdia and south through Afghanistan to northern India. Circa AD 600 they were raiding the Sasanian Empire and issued coins imitating the Sasanian ruler Khosrau II, adding to the obverse a Hephthalite signature in Sogdian and Tamgha symbol (as can be seen on this coin). In circa 606/7, Smbat IV Bagratuni, an Armenian prince who had served in the Sasanian army where he had a distinguished military career, was sent by Khosrau II to stop the the Hephthalites' invasion and is said to have killed their king in single combat (see The Armenian History attributed to Sebeos, 28-29, I, pp. 449-53).