Roma Numismatics Ltd
E-Sale 96 5 May 2022
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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. 1.43g, 16mm, 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.
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.