© Stephen Album Rare Coins
© Stephen Album Rare Coins
Unknown Æ - Ahurpat Kesh; within circle; right-turning tamgha ND
| Bronze | 1.94 g | 19 mm |
| Issuer | Principality of Kesh (Southern Sogdiana) |
|---|---|
| King | Ahurpat (720-737) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 720-737 |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 1.94 g |
| Diameter | 19 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-04 |
| Numista | N#198056 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 95% |
Reverse
Right-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 image of a right-turning tamgha, which is a symbol of the Sogdian deity Ahurpat. The tamgha is a stylized representation of a dragon or serpent, and its right-turning orientation is believed to represent the sun and the power of the deity. The use of this symbol on the coin suggests that the Principality of Kesh, where the coin was minted, was heavily influenced by Sogdian culture and religion.
