LOCAL ISSUES, Sogdiana. Bukhara. Drachm (Silver, 24 mm, 2.99 g, 2 h), in the name of al-Mahdi, governor of Khorasan (AH 141-155 / AD 758-772) [ʿAbbasid caliph: AH 158-169 / AD 775-785]. Within a dotted circle, stylized Sasanian-style crowned bust to right, imitating the Sasanian king Bahram V; behind head, ‘al-Mahdī’ (‘al-Mahdi’ in Arabic); before head, ‘pwxʾr xwβ kʾw’ = ‘Puxār xūβ Kaw’ (‘Bukharan King Kaw’ in Sogdian). Rev. Stylized fire altar flanked by two attendants; stylized bust of Ahura Mazdā to right in flames. Album 94. Lightly toned. Minor corrosion and struck from a somewhat worn reverse die, otherwise, good very fine.


Kaw was a hereditary name of Bukharan rulers.