Sogdian coin of Chanubek

[Pellinore]

A nice and simple type of Sogdian coin, that I believe we didn't see before. A hooded and crescent-crowned face that is 3/4 (or 7/8) frontal. The reverse has a handsome tamgha for show and a text that is hard to read.

Chach (Tashkent), 7th-8th cent. Ruler Chanubek. Obv. bust ¾ to the right. Rev. tamgha 4. A small coin: 18.5 mm, 1.78 gr. Shagalov & Kuznetsov #145-147 group 4 var. 2 type 2.

-- Paul

[Seeker55]

Thanks for sharing this very unusual coin.

[Figleaf]

I think you are in principle right to say that, based on the portrait, your coin is SK 145, but that is group 4, type 3, version 1 - the version is based on the Bactrian legend, see SK page 314, which is not clear on your coin; I have a personal preference for version 2.

The diameter of your coin is in line with this type, but it is light weight. The compelling portrait is perhaps the most modern of these 7th century coins, with bold, simple lines replacing detail and depth.

TFP!

Peter