HUNNIC TRIBES, Hephthalites. Drachm (Silver, 30 mm, 2.89 g), imitating an issue of the Sasanian King Peroz I (457/9-484) from Balkh. Probably Termez, circa 7th century AD. Draped bust of Peroz I to right, wearing mural crown with korymbos set on crescent; in outer margin, two differing tamghas and two countermarks of a lion head and a helemeted human head; in the lower part of the margin, [ιοομο ('ioomo') in Bactrian]. Rev. Stylized Sasanian fire altar flanked by two attendants; in outer margin, countermark. Göbl 289. Vondrovec Type 289. Rare. Some deposits on the reverse, otherwise, fine.


This type may have been issued by the Hephthalites after they were expelled from Baktria following a defeat in 561/2 against the joint forces of the Sasanian Emperor Khosrau I and the Western Turkic Khaganate. It may have been struck in Termez, an important ford on the Oxus (Amudarya).