HUNNIC TRIBES, Hephthalites. Circa 7th century. Drachm (Silver, 32 mm, 3.41 g, 4 h), Imitating a Khosrau II type with the Post-Yazdgird year 37 (= 627) from the AY (Ērān-Xwarrah-Šābuhr) mint. Draped and crowned bust of Khosrau II to right; behind head, ‘GDE ʾp̄zwt'’ (‘[may his] glory increase’ in Pahlavi); before head, ‘hwslwb’, i.e. ‘Husraw’ (‘Khosrau’ in Pahlavi); Hephthalite tamgha at 2 o’clock and an illegible word at 8 o’clock, possibly Alchono in cursive Bactrian script. Rev. Fire altar with ribbons, flanked by two attendants; to left, date in Pahlavi; to right, AY (abbreviation for the name of the mint in Pahlavi). Zeno 33518. Lightly toned. Minor areas of weakness, otherwise, extremely fine.

From the collection of Dr. D. Löer, privately acquired from Ancient Coins Canada.