Central Asia, Soghd, AR unit, bust /archer

Central Asia. Soghd. Samarqand. Anonymous imitation of Antiochus issues (I – II cent. AD)

AR unit (0.40 g, 9.5 mm)

OBVERSE: bust left

REVERSE: archer, with bow & arrow

This anonymous silver unit imitating Antiochus I or II of the Seleucid Empire represent a fascinating continuation of Hellenistic iconography, long after the fall of Greek political power in the East. These coins typically feature a Hellenistic-style male bust on the obverse and an archer motif on the reverse—clearly influenced by Seleucid prototypes but rendered in a highly debased and localized style

Such imitations served not only as currency but also as a symbol of prestige and legitimacy for local rulers and city-states. They may have been struck by local authorities to facilitate trade with nomadic peoples and neighboring territories, or to assert cultural continuity with the Greco-Bactrian and Seleucid traditions

Their small size, crude execution, and silver content suggest they were intended for everyday circulation within the regional economy, possibly replacing or supplementing worn Seleucid and Greco-Bactrian coins still in use

Choice VF. RARE

References:

Z-251391 (similar coin)

♦Please, note that our prices are ALL-INCLUSIVE. No additional fees (such as Buyer’s Premium, PayPal commission, etc.) are applicable♦