A silver drachma of the "Turk Shahi" dynasty that ruled from Kabul until displaced by the Hindu Shahis; their coins featured legends in both Sharada and Brahmi scripts
Source: http://www.vcoins.com/ancient/dltcoins/store/viewItem.asp?idProduct=1095&large=1
(downloaded July 2006)
"Turk Shahis (2nd Nezak Huns Dynasty), "Spalapati Deva" (="Military
Commander"). AR Drachm, c. AD 750-850. Kabul mint. Obverse: Legend
in Sarada script, Sri Spalapati Deva. Bull recumbent left, wearing saddlecloth,
trisul symbol on rump. Reverse: Brahmi legend, Shahi Deva (?). Horseman
right, holding spear, Saruda Gu at left; unidentified symbol between horse's
legs. Weight: 3.49gm. Diameter : 19mm.
Comments: "Spalapati Deva" (="Military Commander") seems to be
a title rather than the name of a specific ruler. These coins represent
the last issues of the Turk Shahis of Kabul which began with the Nezak
Malka/ Srio Shaho "trident crown" coins of Barhategin in the early 8th
century. The Arab historian Alberuni tells us of the last Turkic king,
Lagaturman, who was overthrown by his Brahman advisor Kellar. This usurper
Kellar founded a dynasty of seven subsequent Hindu rulers. The first of
these rulers is called "Samanta" (="Feudatory Chief") which is the title
found on another, slightly later, group of bull and horseman drachms. Thus,
Deyell gives the Spalapati coins to the Turk Shahis centered at Kabul and
the Samanta coins to the subsequent Hindu Shahis ruling from Ohind in Pakistan."
[Image and description courtesy of *David
L. Tranbarger Rare Coins*.]
A drachma of the Hindu Shahi dynasty that overthrew the Turk Shahis and ruled until 1026; it too features stylized bull and horseman images, and legends in two Indic scripts
Source: ebay, July 2001
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