Unknown Æ - Chirdanak / In the name of Thun Jabgu Khan, 618-628 Kabarna; with arrow ND
| Bronze | 1.15 g | 18 mm |
| Issuer | City of Kabarna (Principality of Chach) |
|---|---|
| Ruling authority | Chirdanak (circa 625-701) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 625-701 |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 1.15 g |
| Diameter | 18 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-03 |
| Numista | N#197376 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Tamgha of Kabarna with left-facing, underlined arrow above, all surrounded by Sogdian legend.
Script: Sogdian
Lettering: twn cpgw x'g'n pny
Translation: Coin of Thun Jabgu Khan
Edge
Plain
Comment
Thun Jabgu Khan was Khagan of the Western Turkic Khaganate from 618 to 628.While this coin does not have Chirdanak's name, the design is identical to issues with his name, meaning these were likely struck under him.
And because this coin was issued by Chirdanak in Thun Jabgu Khan's name, Chirdanak likely ruled within the latter's reign. It is theoretically possible this coin was struck at the end of Thun Jabgu's reign, and when he died, his name was removed from the coins in later types.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features an arrow symbol on one side, which was a common motif used by the Sogdian people, who were known for their skilled archery. The arrow symbol was often used on coins and other artifacts to represent the Sogdian Empire's military prowess and their expertise in archery.
