Unknown Æ - Ahurpat Kesh; within circle; left-turning tamgha ND
| Bronze | 1.71 g | 19 mm |
| Issuer | Principality of Kesh (Southern Sogdiana) |
|---|---|
| King | Ahurpat (720-737) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 720-737 |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 1.71 g |
| Diameter | 19 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-03 |
| Numista | N#198057 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 97% |
Reverse
Left-turning triskeles-like tamgha of Kesh within circle and surrounded by Sogdian legend.
Script: Sogdian
Lettering: k'shy'n'k khubu ahurp't
Translation: King Ahurpat of Kesh
Edge
Plain
Comment
The exact meaning of khubu needs confirmation. Many call Ahurpat a king, but the typical Sogdian title for King is MLK'.Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features the left-turning tamgha, which is a rare symbol in Sogdian numismatics. The tamgha is a stylized representation of a horse's head and is often found on coins from the Sogdian region, but the left-turning variety is less common than the right-turning tamgha. This coin's use of the left-turning tamgha may indicate that it was issued during a specific period or for a particular purpose, making it a unique and interesting piece of history.
