I know there is one person here that might like this one but I'll post this here rather than as a PM. What I learned since this coin arrive this week was that the large scrape in the reverse edge is to be expected with these. Coins bearing this 'bird' countermark all have a test cut, scrape or gouge suggesting that the countermark certified that the coin had been tested for purity. Compared to some I have seen online and in books, this is not badly damaged. The ID of the countermark as a bird is a matter of faith to me (I don't see it but I think the head is compromised by the double circle of dots). I believe the host coin is Khusro II, Shiraz (Shirajan) mint, year 36 but would like confirmation or correction.
Very cool countermark, never seen it before. Still need to get a Sasanian as the two I had in the past were like smeared when struck.
I just bought one of these from Harlan Berk last month. I do not remember a test cut on it though, so I will pull it out and look at it. My bird Hepthalite countermark is at 2 o'clock, also on a Khusro II.
Actually your right Doug. I thought it was part of the damage from the o****ermark whcih is about 7 oclock on the reverse, but a mark like yours extends from 7 to 9 on the reverse. Never really noticed it before, its less pronounced than yours. Doesn't really look like a cut though. This was an interesting time for the Hepthalites. Their power was broken by Khusro I and the turks, and by this time most of their previous territory was controlled by the turks, save for an outpost in takharistan. I wonder how they know this countermark is Hepthalite versus turkish? I have mine identified as Hepthalite as well, but considering the timeframe now I wonder about it.
Most I saw were scoops like a gouge rather than a cut but there was one that entered the design rather than being on the edge. Everything about these is assumption. Turkish or Hepthalite, date, reason --- everything. Do you have the new Persian book?
Yes, I picked it up in Chicago, but haven't read through it yet. The coins look a little higher end than I get, like all gold for the Kushans. I still have to thank Ardatirion for recommending to me "From Persepolis to the Punjab". Best book I own on the history of this area.
I'm having trouble seeing teh bird as well Do you have a pic or link of another with the same counter mark?
https://picasaweb.google.com/41359.rogers/Hephthalites#5219644641300882258 This is in rectangle rather than circle. In print, Mitchiner ACW page 219 shows a couple similar.
