Unknown Æ Uncertain Sogdian mint; Eastern Sogdiana ND
| Bronze | 2.01 g | 22 mm |
| Issuer | Uncertain Sogdian mint (Sogdiana) |
|---|---|
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 601-801 |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 2.01 g |
| Diameter | 22 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-03 |
| Numista | N#199417 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Tamgha as a runic letter Ash surrounded by crude Sogdian legend.
Script: Sogdian
Lettering: mrwy bcs' g'ttwn
Translation: Master [...]
Edge
Plain
Comment
Smirnova says these were struck in Ferghana; however, the exact location is still in discussion. Other theories suggest Chach, Otrar, Samarqand Sogd, or Eastern Sogdiana.The tamgha has been used on coins of Ferghana under Tutuk (Turkic) ruler, so these pieces could have been struck under a similar rule.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it was minted during the reign of the Tang Dynasty in China, which was a time of significant cultural and economic exchange between China and Central Asia, including Sogdiana. The coin's design and inscriptions reflect the blending of Chinese and Sogdian cultures, with the use of both Chinese characters and the Sogdian alphabet. This coin is a rare example of the cultural exchange that took place during this period, and it provides valuable insight into the economic and political ties between these two regions.