Western Turks, AR drachm, Spur Martan Shah, RARE

Western Turk Dynasties. Turk Shahi Kings of Kabul and Gandhara. Spur Martan Shah (end of VII / first half of VIII cent. AD)

AR drachm (3.40 g, 30 – 31 mm)

Mint LHWT (for Rakhwad (al-Rukhkhaj) near Kandahar, Southern Afghanistan)

Regnal year 8

Spur Martan Shah (or Spar Martan Shah, sometimes rendered Sparamartan) was one of the prominent Turk Shahi rulers in the transitional period between the Western Turks and the rise of the Hindu Shahis. His reign is situated at a time of increasing Islamic expansion into Central Asia, particularly with early Arab incursions into Kabul and Zabulistan.

• The name “Spur Martan” is believed to derive from Iranic or Central Asian roots, with some linking it to the Bactrian or Saka title traditions.

• He likely ruled from Kabul, with influence over the Swat Valley, Kapisa, and parts of Gandhara.

• His coinage represents a cultural synthesis of Sasanian, Hephthalite, and Central Asian Turkic styles, often reflecting Zoroastrian or Indic religious iconography depending on the mint and phase.

OBVERSE: Pahlavi legend “in the name of god, his majesty, the Lord Wahmanaz Martan” in margins, “Spur” to the right of the bust

REVERSE: Pahlavi legend “currency of Spur” in margins

Vondrovec Type 211

Superb UNC to MS. Toned. Extremely RARE

References:

Z-360169 (this coin)

icollector.com (similar type in much lower grade sold)

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