CNG 100, Lot: 214. Estimate $750. Sold for $1300. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

HUNNIC TRIBES, Kidarites. Uncertain ruler. 5th century . AV Dinar (35mm, 7.33 g, 9h). Boxlo (Balkh) mint. Kushano-Sasanian style figure standing left on ground line, wearing lotus crown with ribbons and surmounted by pomegranate, flames at shoulders, sacrificing at altar and holding trident; to left, trident standard above altar, middle prong surmounted by crescent; to right, tamgha above leaf / Siva standing facing, holding diadem and trident; behind, the bull Nandi standing left. Cribb, Kidarites 6F; MK 739; Vondrovec Type 84 = Göbl, Dokumente Em. 84. Good VF, traces of deposits in devices.

From the collection of Dr. Lawrence A. Adams, purchased from Hakim Hamidi (Persic Gallery), February 2000.

The chronology of the later issues based on the types of Kidara is still uncertain. While most must precede the capture of the mint by the Sasanians under Peroz in 467, some may have been revived thereafter. It is also possible that these coins were struck by the Alkhans, who may have taken Balkh from the Kidarites soon after they captured Gandhara in the early 5th century.