KHWARAZMIA. King Sawshafan, circa 750-760. Drachm (Silver, 26 mm, 3.20 g, 12 h). Draped bust of Sawshafan to right, wearing large and elaborate crown; before head, SY`WRSPN ('Sawshafan' in Sogdian). Rev. Sawshafan on horseback to right, holding reins in his right hand and whip in his left; in field to left, floriate symbol; around, M`RY MLK` SY`WRSPN ('King Sawshafan' in Sogdian). Rtvelazde 48f. Zeimal, p. 262. Two minor edge cracks, otherwise, good very fine.


King Sawshafan was one of the last non-Muslim rulers of the large oasis of Khwarazmia in western central Asia, which was an important location on the Silk Road. His royal title - M`RY MLK - goes back to the Parthians and shows the strong influence that the Parthians and Sasanians had exerted over the region in previous centuries.