KIDARITE: Anonymous, scyphate AV dinar (7.19g), ca. 375-400+, Cribb-13, Göbl-738, posthumous issue in the name of Varhran

Description

KIDARITE: Anonymous, Scyphate AV Dinar

Period: ca. 375-400+ AD
Weight: 7.19 g
Condition: EF-AU (Extremely Fine – About Uncirculated)

References:

• Cribb: 13
• Göbl: 738

Obverse:

• Design: The obverse depicts a king, likely modeled after Varhran (Bahram), standing left, wearing a ribboned crown. The king is shown in a ritualistic pose, sacrificing over an altar. This depiction is a posthumous continuation of earlier Sasanian iconography, reflecting the influence of the Sasanian dynasty on Kidarite coinage.

Reverse:

• Design: The reverse features a blundered depiction of the Hindu deity Siva standing beside the sacred bull Nandi. This imagery, though blundered, retains the essence of the cultural and religious syncretism prevalent in the region, where Hindu, Zoroastrian, and Buddhist elements coexisted.

Historical Context: The Kidarites were a Hunnic tribe that ruled over parts of Central Asia, including Bactria and Gandhara, during the 4th and 5th centuries AD. They succeeded the Kushans and are often referred to as the “Kidarite Huns.” The coinage of the Kidarites, particularly the scyphate AV dinars, reflects a fascinating blend of cultural influences, borrowing heavily from earlier Kushan and Sasanian designs.

The depiction of a king sacrificing over an altar on the obverse is indicative of the continuation of Sasanian religious practices, while the reverse’s depiction of Siva and Nandi highlights the interaction between different religious traditions in the region.

The use of scyphate (cup-shaped) dinars is also notable, as it was a characteristic feature of the Kidarite coinage, differentiating it from the flat coins of earlier periods.

Significance: This coin represents the complex cultural and religious landscape of Central Asia during the late antiquity. The bold strike and excellent preservation of this dinar make it a valuable piece for both numismatists and historians interested in the period of the Kidarite rule.

The posthumous nature of the issue, in the name of Varhran, underscores the Kidarites’ efforts to legitimize their rule by associating themselves with the esteemed Sasanian kings. The blundered reverse, however, also suggests a period of transition and possibly a decline in the technical expertise of the minting authorities.

Conclusion: The Kidarite scyphate AV dinar is a remarkable artifact that encapsulates the confluence of cultural and religious traditions in late antiquity Central Asia. Its well-preserved state and bold strike make it a significant piece for collectors and scholars alike, offering a glimpse into a lesser-known yet fascinating period of history.