Ancient- Kidarites - Big Huns and the Small Kushan (360 AD)

As Kushan spledor had all but evaporated, the empire fell in two parts, The Western Kushans beased in Afghanistan met there end after repeat incursions by the Sassanian Persians who deposed the dynasty and established the Kushan Shahs in around 248 AD. The Eastern Kushan (based in Punjab) extended their territory into the Gangeic plane of India, which would first fracture into several small kingdoms and republics and eventually meet its destruction by the advance of the Gupta Empire and the invasion of a people known in India as the Huna.

In the years that follwed the Persian empire was ill prepared to control the many vassals of the Kushan Empire and a power kingdom sprang up, thought to be of Hunnic origian. The Kidarites. The Kidarites also known as the Small Kushan sought to preserve the splendor of the Kushan Empire and this particular ruler even named him self THE KUSHAN. In 360 AD the Kushan Shah was ousted and a new King came to power. His name was Kidara of which the tribe of Red Huns was named. The silver coinage of the Kidarites is both rare, expensive and short lived.

This is the second most expensive coin I ever purchased and I still feel like I couldn't live with out it.

I would love to hear what you guys think about this most recent acquasition. I am sure when this shows up at the door, the explaination to the little lady will start with the word..."Hun"

Sellers Photo and Discription....my photo and description will be updated in the near future!

Bust of king facing slightly right, wearing crown with streamers, KIDARA KU-SANASA in Brahmi above / Fire altar flanked by attendants, SULAKHA in Brahmi below. 29mm, 4.11 grams. Kabul mint (?). Göbl, Hunnen Em. 11; MACW -.
Superb quality beautiful coin, probably inspired by the Sassanian silver drachms of Shapur III. This piece is sharply struck on a vary large flan. Rare!


Oh and I got a wicked good deal on this piece....

 

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It's a fabulous piece! I've started looking at Kushan coinage, and almost pulled the trigger on a coin a few days ago, but I felt like I needed more study first.

 

Nice kidarite. Better face details than mine. When photographed mine looks like its blank, but in hand its just weak but there.

There are a few of these rare silver pieces with facing busts. Another type imitates a rare Khusro II facing bust piece.

I would agree they were most likely inspired by Shapur III pieces.

One thing though, you didn't mention what happened to them. Once the Sassanids regained their strength, they attacked under Yazdigird II. He pursued the war the rest of his reign, but it was up to his son Peroz to finish it off. After Peroz won against the Kidarites, he turned his eyes to the larger threat, the Hepthalites. Anyone knowing Sassanid history knows how that turned out for him.

 

Thanks for telling the interesting story. Can you tell me why the coin is struck on such a large planchet (and dish-shaped I think)?

 

You should defiently purchase some Kushan coins. I consider them must haves. Now this coin is a little different, then the normal Kushan coinage. Kushan coins are either bronze or if you want to spend they are also gold. I don't currently own any gold but I have pre-Kushan silver and now post -Kushan silver.
I did want Hunnic coins for the "ancient" era you know for the absolutlist pre 476 AD. This coin now satisfies my desire for Kushan silver, Kidarite coin, an AD 3/4 facing bust and a Hunnic coin.
The iceing on the cake is the coin is in superb condition for the type, rare and rather large. Reminacnt of the big sassanid drachms. This coin will certainly go down as one of my favorites and might even de-throne my Vasu Deva Avatar as my avatar. So much to consider with a coin so amped!

 

Good question which I don't immediatly have an answer for. This one does appear to be concave but I have seen other that appear flat and/ or squished. I dont know if the flan shape is unique to the coin or if it is a common trait in the series. Hopefully one of the old timers might be able to shed some light on them. There have been a few sold in recent years that really nice and expensive. There are a few for sale right now but none as nice as this one.

 

Well, I was going to wade gently into the waters with a tetradrachm of Vima Takto. After looking at some silver over the last week, I can certainly see why you're so excited about the condition of your coin. It really is superb.

 

Yes Med, your right, I didn't mention what happened to them. They were destroyed by the mixed armies of the Hephthalites and Persians. The Persia would turn on the Hephthalites and cost Persia donkey loads of coins, and eventually his life.

 

I'm lovin' your sweet new Kushan, Hunny!!

 

Oh med I want to see your photograph!

 

See I was thinking if X6 was going to buy a Hun it would probably be this one, King "A" Kidara. or a King "C" Varo.


Yea steve search for a coin of Varo it has X6 written all over it.

 

He sorta looks like Austin Powers.

 

Sweet coin, I like this one alot.

 

Nice!

 

I had posted it here a few years ago. I lost it in the CT conversion it seems.

 

oh wow, that's awesome...a facing coin, how cool. at first, just looking at the pic, i thought it was an artuqid coinl, they have several facing and a similar style.

 

Great lookin' coin Masternoob, where do you find these cool coins...very nice..

 

Interesting history Noob, nice coin.

 

That's not yo' motha, that's a man! baby!!