Lot 289

Ancient World, Hunnic Tribes, Western Turks, Sandan (circa 690-730 CE), Silver Drachm, 3.04 gms, 31.84 mm, Unknown / Uncertain Mint in Bactria, Obverse: ŠRI CANDANA VAKHUDEVAH ('His Perfection Candana, Lord of the Oxus' in Brahmi); in outer margin, 'σρι βαyo αζρoβδδiyo σαvδαvo βαyo χoαδηo ('His Perfection, the Lord, the Chiliarch Sandano, His Perfection, the Lord' in Bactrian script) draped bust of Sandan to right, wearing earrings and an elaborate crown with two pelleted crescents, two symmetrical wings and a lion's head on top; on his neck, uncertain countermark and a gold plug in the middle. Reverse: 'σρι βαyo δδηβοο βαγδδιγγο καγαvο σρι βαyo' ('His Perfection, the Lord, his Majesty, the Bactrian Kagan, His Perfection, the Lord' in Bactrian) Fire altar flanked by two attendants; in upper left field, six-pointed star; in upper right field, crescent; to left, AFZUT ('may increase' in Pahlawi; to right, GDH ('kingship' in Pahlawi) and an unidentified word, Mitchiner # 1562, very fine, rare.