HUNNIC TRIBES, Western Turks. Zabulistan. Spur Phromo Kesaro, circa 688-700s. Drachm (Silver, 30 mm, 3.16 g, 7 h), Zabul. Sasanian style bust of Spur Phromo Kesaro to right, bearded and wearing the crown of Khosrau II; behind head, AFZUT GDH ('may his kingship increase' in Pahlawi); before head, SPWL ('Spur' in Pahlawi); in outer margin, Φορομ oκησορο ξηoρo βο(yο) χοδηο ('Phromo Kesaro Zeoro, the Mighty(?), King, the Lord' in Bactrian. Rev. Fire alta flanked by two attendants facing; to left, possibly a date in blundered Pahlawi; to right, Z'WL ('Zabul' in Pahlawi). Göbl 247. Vondrovec, Type 247. Rare. Slightly rough, otherwise, very fine.


Our coin belongs to a group of four coin types bearing the title 'Spur', all of which are known from a few specimens only. It has been suggested that 'Spur' was the title of the son of a King of Zabulistan known under the title 'Rubtil', who became famous by driving the Arabs out of Kabul in 665. K. Vondrovec suggested that Spur Phromo Kesaro, who issued this coin, might have been a relative of Spur Martan Shah.