I spotted this specimen on sale on the 'bay ($15) and I totally needed this one for my OEC collection. This bronze coin was struck in Bactria by the Jouan-Jouan (Rouan)( 蠕蠕 ), nomads of uncertain origin, somewhere in northwest China and Mongolia. The name Jouanjouan literally means swarm of insects. From the end of the 4th century AD they established the Rouan Khagante and endured until the Sixth century AD when they were destroyed by a triple alliance of the State of Qi, State of Zhou and Goturks. (AD 560) The Book of Wei, states the Jouanjouan ruled with 2 governors East and West and the population was centered around its military garrison, living in vast tent cities arranged in concentric defensible circles. At the time the book was written the Jouanjouan ruled parts of Central Asia, Siberia, Manchuria, Xianjiang and parts of Mongolia. The Wei built several fortresses and garrisoned troops against these insects. These coins first appear at the close of the Kushan king Huvishka's reign (AD 195) and continued to be produced until the Sassanian conquest of the region by Ardashir (AD 230). These coins imitate the coinage of Huvishka but are made in a much cruder style and a lower weight. Most of the coins I could find described state the coin's obverse is the king sitting on a couch or riding on the back of an elephant facing right and the God Mao on the reverse (an Iranian Lunar God). This coin has the obverse of Kushan king and the Tamgha of Huvishka. The reverse has what appears to be a rendition of Oado, (Wind God) with his unique running stance. I have no sources (outside of what is available online) for this coin and my interpretation of the reverse could be completely wrong. Have at it guys! Post your coins of the Kushan Empire or Tribal Nomads. Asia, Bactrian Region (AD 195- 230) Jouan - Jouan (蠕蠕) Nomads AE Unit 23 mm x 7.82 grams Obverse: King standing right sacrificing. Pellet above (?) Crude Tamgha (Huvishka?) No legend. Reverse: Oado (?) running left with cloak open. No legend Note: Seller notes Scarce.
Juoan-juoan attributions are all over the map and are constantly changing. I have a few, but there is so little known about the time period and people it makes it very hard. I have seen the same coin attributed as Kushan or Kidarite as well. Definitely a cool pickup.
Interesting for sure. I am glad the coin received the Medoraman Seal of Approval. It's definitely a must have for a OEC collection.
oh wow, what a cool coin AN...i haven't seen anything quite like it that i can remember. here's a coin i have that is somewhat similar, a kushan coin of kanishka i...
Well I think we are all in the same boat on this one. I love the examples you showed. The elephant is very cool.
