Sogdiana, Bukhara: Turco-Hephthalite lords of Bukhara (775-785) BI Drachm

[Quant.Geek]

Sogdiana, Bukhara: Turco-Hephthalite lords of Bukhara in the name of the Abbasid caliph al-Mahdhi (775-785) BI Drachm (Album-94, MACW-1395)

Obv: Bust in the style of the Sasanian king Varhran V facing right. Sogdian legend Pwy'r ywB k'y 'King-Emperor of Bukhara' to right; Arabic legend 'al-Mahdi' behind head.
Rev: Fire altar; bust of Ahura Mazda in flames right on altar. Stylized attendants to either side.

A high-resolution image of this coin is available at FORVM Ancient Coins

[Figleaf]

I am seriously interested in this area and aware of how difficult to find these coins are, let alone in top shape. This is a jewel.

Peter

[THCoins]

I second Peters appreciation !
Although these are not that difficult to obtain, this is a very nice specimen.  The one i have, like many of these unfortunately, has been overcleaned. So I especially like the unspoiled color/patina of this one.

[Quant.Geek]

Thanks guys. I second Anthony's comments in that they are not that difficult to find.  However, getting them in such condition is somewhat scarce.  Grabbed it quickly when it went up for sale 

[Pellinore]

This type of coin is called Bukharkhudat, from a local dynasty reigning in Sogdiana (the name means 'Lord of Bukhara'). It was introduced around 650 and was much imitated until about 830. There are various types, most about the same style and size: 25 mm, but of various metals: AR, AE and BI. The reverse has a fire altar, sometimes with a face in it, like its Sassanian examples.
This is a useful article about the history of Bukhara 600-1000 AD, mentioning the coins, too.
-- Paul

[Ancientnoob]

I was fortunate enough to acquire one of these from Alex Fishman. I really like how the attendants have huge heads. I just recently photographed the example with decent results. (Not an easy task)



Turco-Hephthalite
Lords of Bukhara
in the name of Abbasid Caliph Muhammad al-Mahdi (775-785 AD)
AR/BI Drachm 25 mm x 2.50 g
Obverse:Sogd script-Lord of Bukhara; Persian Bust right.
Reverse: Zoroastrian fire altar flanked by ribbons and attendants. Bust of Ahura Mazda right in flames. Large busts on either side.
Ref: Album 94BMAS319, ex Alex Fishman. 2012

[Figleaf]

Luvely addition, ancientnoob. Thank you. Being a Mazda driver, the titles always provide a small degree of additional merriment to me.

Please do remember, gentleman, that I live in France, where coin priorities are French, Roman, nothing for quite a distance, classical Greek, French speaking countries, nothing for some time, the rest. I suspect such coins are sold to your suppliers. Sigh.

Peter

[Figleaf]

Got two wonderful coins that seem to be the same (though parts of the legend are too worn to be 100% sure) except that they are clearly coppers... What's up? (high-res pic available on request.)

Peter

[Manzikert]

Both are al-Mahdi, so late 'Ghitrifi' dirhems.

To quote Album (under A.94): 'Struck during and after al-Mahdi's reign, in reasonably fine silver until the governorship of Ghitrif b. 'Ata, 174-176 (789-792), who ordered their debasement. The debased version, called the ghitrifi dirham, was struck posthumously for decades, if not centuries. The fineness reduction was probably gradual, perhaps over several decades, rather than suddenly during Ghitrif's short governorship. Some of the latest issues are virtually pure copper.'

I like these very much too and have acquired nine of the series, but the variations seem almost endless: it must have been a very active economy to need so many coins.

Below are a few of mine:
1. The original 'Bukharhudat' type in reasonably good silver, c.735-750, Walker b.8, Pl.XXVIII, b.8, Album M93
2. The al-Mahdi type, c.775-785 (and possibly much later) Walker 321, Pl.XXIX, 2: p.xci-xcii; MAC. 1395, Album 94
3. The 'Musayabiya' dirhem, c.775-785, Walker AF. 1, p.166 (see p.xci-xcii), Album M95
4. The al-Amin type, c.796-801 according to Album, Walker 345, Pl.XXIX, 12: p.xciv-xcvi [c.808-810 (193-195 H)]; Album 96 (s)
5. The basest I've got, which might be a contemporary cast copy.

Alan

[Figleaf]

Thank you, Alan. I should have read the thread better, but I am glad I didn't, as your info adds more detail.

Peter