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.