HUNNIC TRIBES, Hephthalites. Drachm (Silver, 30 mm, 2.89 g), imitating an issue of the Sasanian King Peroz I (457/9-484) from Balkh. Probably Termez, circa 7th century AD. Draped bust of Peroz I to right, wearing mural crown with korymbos set on crescent; in outer margin, two differing tamghas and two countermarks of a lion head and a helemeted human head; in the lower part of the margin, [ιοομο ('ioomo') in Bactrian]. Rev. Stylized Sasanian fire altar flanked by two attendants; in outer margin, countermark. Göbl 289. Vondrovec Type 289. Rare. Some deposits on the reverse, otherwise, fine.
From a collection of coins from Central Asia.
This type may have been issued by the Hephthalites after they were expelled from Baktria following a defeat in 561/2 against the joint forces of the Sasanian Emperor Khosrau I and the Western Turkic Khaganate. It may have been struck in Termez, an important ford on the Oxus (Amudarya).