1 Obol Antiochos imitation; Samarqand; with crescent-pellet countermark
| Bronze | 0.80 g | 15 mm |
| Issuer | Samarqand (ancient) (Sogdiana (ancient)) |
|---|---|
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 501-601 |
| Value | Obol (⅙) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 0.80 g |
| Diameter | 15 mm |
| Thickness | 0.2 mm |
| Shape | Concave |
| Technique | Countermarked, Hammered (scyphate) |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-09 |
| Numista | N#199204 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Blank (uniface).
Edge
Plain
Comment
Based on the dates of coins found in the same hoards as these types, dating has been placed at the 6th century, and these imitate the earlier scyphate types.While the thickness is around 0.2 millimetres, the height of the coin is reported between 2.7 and 3.0 millimetres.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features a crescent-pellet countermark, which was a symbol used by the Sogdian rulers of Samarqand to indicate their authority and control over the minting of coins. This countermark was used during the reign of Antiochos III, who was a powerful ruler of the Seleucid Empire that controlled much of Central Asia, including Sogdiana, during the 3rd century BCE. The use of this countermark on coins like this one helped to establish the legitimacy and authenticity of the coinage and reinforced the connection between the local rulers and the central authority of the Seleucid Empire.