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Roma Numismatics Ltd
E-Sale 95  13 Apr 2022
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Lot 572

Estimate: 150 GBP
Price realized: 100 GBP
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Yuezhi, Sapalbizes (Sapadbizes) AR Hemidrachm. Late 1st century BC. Helmeted and draped bust to right; CAΠAΛBIZHC around / Lion standing to right; crescent and Λ above, NANAIA to left and right. ANS Kushan 1-2; Senior A6.1; HGC 12, 516. 1.07g, 15mm, 12h.

Extremely Fine.

The two examples sold by Roma Numismatics in E-Sale 60 (457-8) and this lot 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. 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.
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