Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 14010 - Fine Coins, Banknotes, Bonds and Share Certificates of China and Hong Kong
Lot: 1705

Central Asia, Early Chach / Kangchu (c.3rd - 6th century), AE Drachm, 2.95g, diademed bust left, rev. swan-shaped tamgha surrounded by legend of twenty four letters (SK 1-1-1, plate coin 1), small spots of verdigris on reverse, otherwise extremely fine with attractive reddish tone

Ancient Chach comprised various hill forts around the oasis of what is now Tashkent. In the Chinese chronicles of the first century BC there is mention of it as a vassal state of K'ang-kiu, having 120,000 warriors, and an inscription of the Sasanian ruler Shapur I of 262 AD states it was just outside the lands he controlled.

It is believed that another brach of the Yue-chih know as the Wanwan struck the earliest coinage in the late 2nd or early 3rd century AD. Their capital was probably Kanka, a hillfort near the Syr Darya, as most of the early coins with the swan-shaped Tanka are found here. Following Turkic invasions in the 6th century the coinage took on a more varied appearance as each tribal area chose its own design. By the 7th century there were some 30 towns linked by a network of over 50 canals. The different principalities used tamghas of different forms to distinguish their coinage, in conjunction with a Sogdian legend indicating the title and sometimes the name of the ruler.

Subject to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium. For more information please view Terms and Conditions for Buyers.

Estimate
HK$1,200 to HK$1,500