Roma Numismatics Ltd
E-Sale 63 7 Nov 2019
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Yuezhi, Sapalbizes (Sapadbizes) AR Hemidrachm. Late 1st century BC. Helmeted and draped bust right; CAΠAΛBIZHC around / Lion standing right; crescent and Λ above, NANAIA to left and right. Senior A6.1; HGC 12, 516. 1.41g, 15mm, 12h.
Very Fine.
The two examples sold in Roma Numismatics E-Sale 60 clearly show that the fifth letter in the name on the obverse is a lambda, not a delta. It is therefore likely that the first prince of the Yuezhi was named Sapalbizes rather than Sapadbizes as previously thought based on more worn examples of the type which are unclear such as the current lot. There was a tradition of Skythian names with the prefix "Spal" or "Sapal, connecting the word to "the army" which adds strength to this theory.
Very Fine.
The two examples sold in Roma Numismatics E-Sale 60 clearly show that the fifth letter in the name on the obverse is a lambda, not a delta. It is therefore likely that the first prince of the Yuezhi was named Sapalbizes rather than Sapadbizes as previously thought based on more worn examples of the type which are unclear such as the current lot. There was a tradition of Skythian names with the prefix "Spal" or "Sapal, connecting the word to "the army" which adds strength to this theory.