HUNNIC TRIBES, Western Turks: Sandan, circa 690-730 CE. AR Drachm, 3.02 gms, 31.9 - 33.1 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) 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 (possibly depicting a thunderbolt, Göbl 104).
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.
Remarks: Choice EF, bold strike with complete sharp legends on an impressive large flan, intact golden fillings on both sides and legible countermark
Weight: 3.02 grams
Diameter: 31.9 - 33.1 mm
Grade: Choice Extra Fine, well centered strike clearly legible legends, usually there is one golden plug, but this specimen has an additional golden plug on the reverse as well, very rare in such high grade.
References: Göbl 244. Vondrovec, Type 244.
Historical Background: Sandan's identity is shrouded in mystery, however his titles 'Bactrian Khaqan' and 'Lord of the Oxus' allow us to locate his kingship in the region known as Bactria, whose multiculturalism is reflected in the use of three different languages and scripts on this coin. Heavy Greek influence can also be inferred from the use of the title 'Chiliarch', which is an old Greek military rank designating the commanding officer of 1000 soldiers.
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